Protest Against UK Arms Exports to Israel Intensifies

British police arrested nine protestors during a demonstration against the UK’s arms exports to Israel. Pro-Palestinian campaigners have urged the new Labour government to ban arms sales following Israel’s actions in Gaza. Foreign Minister David Lammy has called for a balanced approach and a legal assessment of weapons sales.

British police on Wednesday arrested nine people during a protest against arms exports to Israel, which briefly blocked the street outside the foreign ministry. The incident highlights growing pressure on the new Labour government regarding its stance on the Gaza war. Pro-Palestinian protesters in Britain have campaigned for a government ban on arms sales to Israel following its offensive on Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 attack.

Last week, Foreign Minister David Lammy stated that a blanket ban on arms exports to Israel would not be appropriate. He plans to follow a quasi-judicial process to assess whether sales of offensive weapons potentially used in Gaza could proceed. Protesters gathered outside Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and blocked access before police intervened, resulting in nine arrests.

While in opposition earlier this year, Lammy suggested suspending UK arms sales if there was a clear risk of a serious breach of humanitarian law. Now in office, he has requested an assessment of the legal situation to communicate decisions with full accountability and transparency. Labour, elected with a substantial majority, faces pressure from pro-Gaza constituents to adopt a stronger stance on arms restrictions.