Her Majesty's Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously. We’re advised by ministers that the Government operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world and that all export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available, including advice received from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ministry of Defence, and other government departments and agencies as appropriate.
Our understanding is that licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. We are assured that the Government will not issue export licences where to do so would be inconsistent with the criteria, including where there is a clear risk that the arms might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Ministers are continuing to monitor the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories closely, and will take action to suspend, refuse or revoke licences – in line with the criteria – if circumstances require.
