Legal experts call for an end to UK arms sales to Israel

Three former Supreme Court justices have joined more than 600 legal experts in calling for the UK government to end weapons sales to Israel. In a letter to the prime minister, they said exports must end because the UK risks breaking international law over a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza.

Rishi Sunak is already facing growing cross-party pressure after seven aid workers were killed in an air strike. On Tuesday, he said the UK has a “very careful” arms licensing regime.

Former Supreme Court president Lady Hale is among more than 600 lawyers, academics, and retired senior judges who have signed a 17-page letter. It says “serious action” is needed to “avoid UK complicity in grave breaches of international law, including potential violations of the Genocide Convention”.

The growing calls for the suspension of UK export licenses come after seven aid workers – including three British citizens – were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza on Monday.

In an interview with the Times, the brother of one of the victims expressed frustration over the UK’s inaction and called for accountability. The incident has sparked debate over the UK’s arms sales to Israel and the ethical implications of continuing these sales.

The UK government is under pressure to take action and reassess its arms export policies in light of the recent events in Gaza. The debate over the UK’s role in supplying arms to conflict zones continues to intensify as more voices join the call for a reevaluation of the country’s arms sales practices.