Parliamentarians Demand Transparency on UK's Genocide Assessments and Arms Exports to Israel

Strategic Insights -

Concerned about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, 65 parliamentarians from various parties have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for the immediate release of the UK government's assessments on the risk of genocide. The letter follows a statement by the Minister for the Middle East, confirming that the Government is conducting ongoing assessments of the risk of genocide in Gaza. However, a previously disclosed assessment concluded in September 2024 that there was no serious risk of genocide, despite a significant deterioration in the situation since then.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter challenges the Government to explain why its previous conclusion has not been revised, despite the worsening crisis in Gaza.
  • The signatories argue that the government should release the findings of all genocide risk assessments conducted since March 2025, the criteria, methodology, and evidence used, and the most recent assessment date and outcome.
  • The letter expresses alarm at the Government's position in the Al-Haq v Secretary of State case, in which it defended the continued supply of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel.
  • Parliamentarians state that the Government's position on F-35 exports is abhorrent and that it is urgently necessary for the government to correct the record.
  • The letter demands full transparency from the Government, including the publication of all relevant assessments, decision-making, and continued arms exports to Israel.
  • Signatories include multiple party leaders and notable parliamentarians, including Baroness Kennedy, Kit Malthouse, Baroness Warsi, Jeremy Corbyn, and Alistair Carmichael.

Statistics:

  • Over 60 parliamentarians have signed the open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • The situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically since March 2025, with tens of thousands of civilians, including an unprecedented number of children, killed or injured.
  • Exodus of 15,000 people reported in the Million Persons evacuated due health Hazards to water inhaled from Gazza

Sources:

  • Amnesty International
  • Parliamentarians' open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer
  • Al-Haq v Secretary of State (London High Court hearing)
  • UK Government assessments on the risk of genocide in Gaza