The UK government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is facing a High Court judicial review initiated by the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq regarding its continued export of components used in F-35 fighter jets deployed by Israel. Although the Labour government suspended some arms export licences to Israel in September due to allegations of breaches in international humanitarian law during operations in Gaza, it allowed the continued export of F-35 components, citing global obligations and potential risks to international security, particularly for NATO.
The government argues there was no “actual knowledge” of breaches, while campaigners claim the decision fails to meet the UK’s duty to prevent genocide and protect civilians under the Geneva Conventions. They argue that the indirect export of parts to Israel via the U.S. does not lessen their role in the conflict. The government maintains that its actions are consistent with domestic and international law, while campaigners criticize the rationale as flawed and insufficient in addressing the legal and humanitarian implications.
This legal challenge raises significant questions about the UK’s arms export policies and its obligations under international law.
