Oral Answers to Questions

Brian Mathew Excerpts

Tuesday 1st September 2026 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Brian Mathew (Melksham and Devizes) (LD)]

1. If he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to review arms export licensing to Israel.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)]

If I may, Mr Speaker, I want to start by acknowledging the devastating floods in Nepal. I know many Members are supporting constituents who have been affected by this tragedy, and our intention remains to support British nationals and the people of Nepal. We have engaged with the authorities in Kathmandu and Beijing, and we stand with them at this incredibly devastating and difficult time.

We categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza. We suspended 29 licences in September 2024, and approximately 50 licences have been refused since then. All licences are assessed in line with the strategic export licensing criteria and are kept under continual review.

[Brian Mathew]

Will the UK ban all trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the west bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan heights, sanction companies profiteering from this trade and enforce the International Court of Justice ruling against illegal occupation?

[Stephen Doughty]

The hon. Gentleman will have heard the statements made by the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on this issue, and he should expect further announcements in due course.