Baroness Chapman criticised over Israel arms exports

During a debate in the House of Lords on 5 September 2024, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, faced sharp questioning and criticism over the UK government’s decision to suspend 30 export licences for arms to Israel.

The decision, which has prompted concern over the impact on Israel’s ability to defend itself, was scrutinised by several members of the House.

Lord Howard of Lympne raised concerns over the rationale for the suspension, challenging Baroness Chapman’s earlier statement that the government was required to suspend the licences.

“Does it not clearly follow…the Government could, had they wished, have decided against a ban on the ground that Israel is acting in self-defence against an organisation committed to its destruction and recognised by our own Government as a terrorist organisation?” Lord Howard asked, further questioning whether the Minister had misled the House by claiming the government was required to act.

Baroness Chapman responded, “No, I do not accept that. The legal test we have is that there is a clear risk…in the case of these 30 licences, it could present a clear risk—not that it has done, not that there is a breach, but that there is a clear risk.”

She clarified that the suspension does not equate to a full arms embargo on Israel and highlighted the complexity of the F-35 components supply chain, suggesting that halting their export could disrupt global security.

Lord Blunkett defended the government’s decision not to suspend all 320 licences, stating that this selective suspension ensures continued support for Israel’s defence. “We are assured that we are prepared and willing to help Israel defend itself against Iran or Hezbollah,” he said, asserting that the process had been conducted properly.

Baroness Deech, a crossbench peer, voiced frustration with the decision, linking it to broader concerns about the UK’s inconsistent approach to arms exports. She criticised the government’s support for arms exports to other countries with problematic human rights records, arguing that the decision undermines Israel’s right to self-defence.

“Why do the Government undermine protection for a state that needs them for self-defence to combat murderous terrorists whose avowed aim is to kill Jews?” she asked.

In response, Baroness Chapman reiterated the UK’s commitment to Israel’s security. “We continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself…provided it does so in accordance with international law,” she said, while also expressing concern over civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure in the ongoing conflict.

Lord Purvis of Tweed, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for International Trade, questioned the government’s approach to Israel’s domestic issues, particularly violence in the West Bank. He asked whether the government was considering restricting licences or imposing sanctions on elements of the Israeli government that were supporting settler violence.

Baroness Chapman acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that while Israel has a right to defend itself, “we are deeply worried about the methods that have been employed” and called for urgent de-escalation.