Oral Answers to Questions

Tracy Gilbert Excerpts
Tuesday 30th July 2024

(3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Tracy Gilbert Portrait Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab)
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12. What his planned timescale is for completing his review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law.

David Lammy Portrait The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
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As soon as I came into office, I commissioned new advice on Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of war in Gaza. We are obliged to look at that advice under criterion 2C for items exported. That is an ongoing process. I pledge to update the House as soon as I can on this very serious matter.

Tracy Gilbert Portrait Tracy Gilbert
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I welcome the Government’s changing approach to the devastating conflict in Gaza and the fact that the review was ordered soon after the Foreign Secretary’s appointment. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that, if the review were to conclude that Israel was breaching international law, all actions including halting arms sales would be considered as part of the Government’s proportional response?

David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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Criterion 2C of our strategic export licensing criteria is a clear risk of breach of international humanitarian law. Careful assessments have to be made. There is a then a legal process to enable us to reach a conclusion. Of course, with all sobriety and integrity, I intend to do that and I will update the House as soon as I can.