Is the UK right to suspend arms sales to Israel? Join The Independent Debate
While some have blasted Sir Keir Starmer’s move as ‘shameful’, others have dubbed it ‘brave’. Now we want to know if you think the suspension goes too far – or not far enough
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer divided opinion by suspending around 30 of the UK’s 350 arms export licences to Israel.
The decision was announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who stressed the UK’s ongoing support for Israel. However, he also emphasised a “clear risk” that weapons could be used to breach international humanitarian law relating to the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the supply of aid to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as a “shameful decision”. Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick also called the suspension “shameful”, branding it “gesture politics to appease the hard left”.
On Monday, Lord Carlile, a senior Jewish peer and supporter of Israel, expressed his support for Starmer, praising the Labour leader’s “courage and conviction” while criticisng Netanyahu for undermining peace efforts.
Given the widespread division on this issue, we want to hear your thoughts. Do you think Starmer was right to block some arms sales to Israel, and do you believe his actions are sufficient? Or do you feel his intervention has already gone too far?
Share your thoughts by adding them in the comments — we’ll highlight the most insightful ones as they come in.
All you have to do is sign up and register your details — then you can take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking ‘log in’ on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Share your thoughts by adding them in the comments — we’ll highlight the most insightful ones as they come in.
All you have to do is sign up and register your details — then you can take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking ‘log in’ on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments