Three Labour MPs, including Solicitor General Sarah Sackman, have expressed concerns over David Lammy's decision to suspend certain arms sales to Israel. This move has sparked debate within the party and among Jewish constituents in north London.
On April 1, 2024, Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, announced the suspension of approximately 30 arms export licences, citing potential breaches of humanitarian law by Israel. This decision was based on advice from government lawyers, though Sackman's involvement in this legal counsel remains unclear.
The arms embargo has led to significant backlash, particularly from Jewish voters who fear it may embolden Hamas and Iran while straining UK-Israel relations. In a letter to Lammy, the MPs highlighted constituents' concerns about the timing of the announcement, which coincided with the funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of six hostages recently killed by Hamas.
"Many constituents are upset and angry about the timing of the announcement which, as you know, came shortly after the murder of six hostages by Hamas terrorists."
The MPs warned that the decision could inadvertently escalate the conflict and affect Israel's security. They also expressed worry about the potential impact on Britain's international standing and its alliance with Israel, which dates back to 1948.
This internal disagreement reflects broader divisions within the Labour Party over its response to the ongoing Gaza conflict. While some members advocate for a complete arms embargo on Israel, citing alleged war crimes, others caution against alienating Jewish voters and weakening ties with a key ally.
The involvement of Sackman, as Solicitor General and one of the government's top legal advisers, adds complexity to the situation. Her participation in the letter may prove embarrassing for the Prime Minister, who now faces a decision on whether to remove her from her position.
This incident highlights the delicate balance Labour must strike in addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict while maintaining support from various constituencies. The party, founded in 1900, has faced challenges related to antisemitism accusations in recent years, making this issue particularly sensitive.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Labour Party leadership, including Sir Keir Starmer, must navigate these internal divisions while formulating a coherent foreign policy stance. The debate over arms sales to Israel, regulated by the Export Control Act 2002, reflects broader questions about the UK's role in international conflicts and its commitment to upholding humanitarian law.