Between July and September 2024, the UK Labour government approved almost £11 million worth of arms export licences to Israel, marking a notable increase compared to earlier in the year under the Conservative government, according to new figures from Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).
These licences included items such as armoured plates, grenade launchers, and missile launching and control equipment, all potentially to be used by Israeli forces in Gaza. The largest individual licence, valued at £7.2 million, was for submarine-related technology, designated officially for marketing, demonstrations, and temporary exhibitions.
Beyond individual licences, Labour also approved open export licences, notably for components for combat aircraft, including those used in F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. Open licences permit unlimited exports of specified military items without public disclosure of their full value or quantity. British firms are known to supply over 15% of every F-35 jet.
While the Labour government did impose restrictions on certain arms exports to Israel in September, it continued to authorise sales of aircraft components for stated “training purposes.”
CAAT estimates the UK has approved or delivered at least £100 million in military equipment to Israel since 7 October 2023, a conservative figure given the lack of transparency surrounding open licences.
Saudi Arabia was the largest recipient of UK arms exports during Labour’s first quarter in office, receiving licences valued at £1.65 billion. This included £800 million for air-to-surface missiles, £741 million for bomb components, and £100 million for surface-to-air missiles. Egypt (£23 million), Turkey (£15.7 million), Bahrain (£8.6 million), and the United States (£253 million) were also significant recipients.
Emily Apple, CAAT’s Media Coordinator, strongly criticised these figures, stating: ““These figures show that this government is deeply complicit in genocide and human rights abuses. Labour promised change – but it is business as usual for arms dealers. “If our government refuses to act, it is down to all of us to take action against this vile trade and ensure that both politicians and the arms companies are held accountable and face the consequences of their actions.”
Dr Iain Overton, Executive Director of Action on Armed Violence, added: “The UK’s continued authorisation of arms exports to conflict zones like Israel and Saudi Arabia undermines international humanitarian law and fuels devastating humanitarian crises. Greater transparency and accountability are urgently required to prevent further complicity in civilian suffering.”
Public protests continue to highlight the UK’s role in supplying military equipment linked to the conflict in Gaza. Recent demonstrations organised by the campaign group Codepink targeted Britain’s military presence in Cyprus, specifically RAF Akrotiri, a strategic base recently visited by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Activists have called for transparency and accountability regarding Britain’s military support in the region, emphasising the urgent need for reform in the UK’s arms export practices.
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