Arms Export Licences: Israel
Debate between Zarah Sultana and Debbie Abrahams(1 year ago)
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Zarah Sultana
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention.
Amnesty International says the
“arms licensing system is not fit for purpose in assessing risk, is riddled with loopholes and is in…need of root-and-branch reform.”
That is why I introduced a Bill this week that would allow us to launch an inquiry into the use of arms sold to foreign states and to suspend arms to any state that might use them in violation of international law.
Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)
I thank my hon. Friend for her excellent speech and for all she is doing on this important issue. I associate my remarks with the personal approach she has taken, because I have a constituent whose partner is being bombed as he tries to evacuate from south Gaza. Does my hon. Friend agree that, in addition to arm sales to Israel, we should think about arm sales to the US, Saudi Arabia and many other countries, and ensure that we tighten the licensing arrangements for arms manufacturers to those countries?
Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair)
Order. This is a debate about arms sales to Israel.