Labour MPs "Worried" Arms Sale Decision Could Damage Relations With Jewish Communities

There is concern among some Labour MPs that the Government decision to suspend the sale of some arms licenses could damage relations with Jewish communities.

On Monday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said it was with "regret" that he had received an assessment that there was a "clear risk" some UK arms exports to Israel may be used "to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law" in Gaza.

Lammy told MPs the Government had decided to suspend the sale of around 30 of approximately 150 licenses after a two-month review.

"These include equipment that we assess is for use in the current conflict in Gaza, such as important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting," Lammy said.

A Labour source told PoliticsHome there were concerns among some MPs that the decision could fracture relations between the party and the Jewish community — which Labour has worked to rebuild after the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) put the party in special measures amid allegations of antisemitism, before removing it in early 2023.

"The Jewish community are obviously very upset," said the Labour source.

"MPs with large Jewish constituencies are worried...  

"It's gone down really badly in the Jewish community."

One of the criticisms of the Government relates to the timing of the announcement. It came on the same day funerals were held for six Israelis killed by Hamas after they were taken hostage in October.

PoliticsHome understands Hamish Falconer, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the foreign office, messaged Jewish stakeholders on Sunday to convey his support for the Jewish diaspora after the murder of