Campaigners have projected onto Tower Bridge this evening, calling on the UK government to ban exports of arms and arms parts to Israel. The projection read: “Over 14,000 children killed in Gaza. What are you waiting for? Stop arming Israel. Ceasefire NOW.”

This call to action follows updated polling that has revealed the percentage of the UK public who think the UK government should stop exporting arms or parts to Israel rose from 56% to 62% between 27 March and 7 April 2024. This includes an 11% increase among those voters who intend to vote Conservative at the next election from 38% to 49%.   

Humanitarian NGOs Action for Humanity and Save the Children, both with operations in Gaza, are calling attention to the UK government’s failure to ban arms sales to Israel and the opposition’s failure to call for a ban – despite the risk that such military equipment might be  used to violate international humanitarian law. They are calling on the UK government to use every diplomatic and economic lever at its disposal to help secure an immediate permanent ceasefire, stop the death and destruction, allow enough aid in, and to ensure the safe release of hostages. 

Latest polling commissioned by Action for Humanity and conducted by YouGov:

Recent polling, commissioned by Action For Humanity and conducted by YouGov shows increasing support from the public for stops on exports of arms and parts to the government of Israel. Results showed the percentage of the UK public who think the UK should stop exporting arms or parts to Israel rose from 56% to 62% between 27 March and 7 April 2024. On Monday 1 April, seven international aid workers were killed, three of whom were British which sparked outcry among the UK public and political circles.   Parts made across the UK have been sold to the government of Israel, and are being used right now in the appalling attacks on Gaza (see here and here for more examples).

Breakdowns by political party based on Westminster voting intentions as of 7 April 2024:

• The percentage of those who intend to vote Labour at the next election who think the UK should stop exporting arms or parts to Israel rose from 71% to 75%.
• The percentage of those who intend to vote Conservative at the next election who think the UK should stop exporting arms or parts to Israel rose from 38% to 49%.
• The percentage of those who intend to vote Lib Dem at the next election who think the UK should stop exporting arms or parts to Israel rose from 70% to 74%.

(Source: Yougov - here and here).

Further information on the UK’s arms exports to the government of Israel:

Since 2015, the UK has licensed at least £489 million worth of military exports to the government of Israel, That includes parts for combat aircrafts, missiles, tanks, technology, small arms and ammunition.

Significant concerns arise from direct supplies of military equipment to Israel and the provision of components intended for use in military equipment made in other countries, such as US-made fighter aircraft like F-16s, F-35s, and Apaches. It is equally important that the UK government explicitly withdraws the 2002 "incorporation guidelines", which provide for lower transfer control standards where components and sub-systems are exported for incorporation into military equipment for onward export.

Additionally, immediate transparency is needed regarding any legal advice regarding the government of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law. 

Lord Peter Hain, Labour peer who served as Middle East Minister for the Labour Government between 1999 and 2000, said: 

“The latest figures speak volumes: public concern over arms to Israel has surged. To stop the carnage and starvation the British government must heed this call and implement an arms and parts ban both of exports to, and imports from, Israel now, supported by Labour.”

Action For Humanity CEO, Othman Moqbel, said: 

“It is time for the UK government to heed the will of the public. Without delay, all current licences for military equipment and technology, as well as the issuance of new licences, must be suspended while Israel continues to commit grave violations without accountability. There must also be immediate transparency on any legal advice regarding Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law. The public demands accountability.

While the Government of Israel recently announced measures to open crossings for aid supplies, these efforts fall short of addressing the systemic barriers to the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. Israel promised last week to open the Erez border crossing and the Ashdod port to aid shipments, but as of yet, it is unclear whether any additional aid has been able to enter.” 

Liz Bradshaw, Senior Conflict and Humanitarian Advisor, Save the Children UK, said:

"In Gaza, over 14,000 children have been killed and more than 10 children a day are losing limbs from explosives. Despite this, the UK government continues to sell arms to Israel. The UK Government must do all it can to protect children and end arms sales to Israel immediately. Their words have failed. What are they waiting for?"