Former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption and other legal professionals discuss the controversy over arms sales to Israel. The podcast explores the calls for UK government action, debates within the Conservative Party, international law implications, and political challenges faced by various parties.
Demand for UK arms sales ban to Israel growing due to alleged international law breaches.
Conservative Party faces internal divisions over support to Israel, reflecting broader concerns over international law and government stance.
Deep dives
Growing Calls for Rishi Sunak to Ban Arms Sales to Israel
Calls to stop UK government licenses for British companies to export arms to Israel have gained momentum, with the SNP, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens supporting the halt. The pressure is also on City Khan and some conservatives to suspend arms sales. International patience with Israel is waning, and there are demands for transparent investigations into potential international law breaches by Israel.
Shift in Conservative Party Dynamics Regarding Israel
Conservative Party dynamics have shifted from wholesale support for Israel to concerns over civilian casualties and compliance with international law. Pro-Israeli Tories are divided on the government's stance, with some urging arms sales suspension and others advocating for robust support for Israel. Internal Conservative debates reflect broader anxieties over the government's position on Israel and international law infringements.
Rishi Sunak's Statements and Flirtation with Exiting EU Human Rights Court
Rishi Sunak's tougher stance on Israel's actions, emphasizing the need for transparent investigations, signals a departure from unconditional support for Israel. His remarks on the UK's potential exit from the European Court of Human Rights raise political debates about Brexit-related pledges and Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement implications. Sunak's statements aim to create political distinctions, appeal to Brexit sentiments, and address migration concerns, though facing challenges regarding key agreements and electoral strategies.
The row over arms sales to Israel continues today, as over 600 high profile figures in the legal profession, including former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption, sign a petition arguing they believe Israel has breached international law, and more Conservative politicians say, on the record, that they believe the UK must respond with an arms sale ban. Cindy Yu talks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman about where this row could go next.
Produced by Megan McElroy and Cindy Yu.
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