We
Arm Israel
By Bob Roberts Political Correspondent
The Mirror
9 July 2002
BRITAIN was accused of bowing to the US last night after allowing
bombing equipment to be sold to Israel.
In a move branded unethical, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw changed
rules and allowed export licences for British components to be built
into US F-16 fighter jets bound for the Middle East.
Three months ago Mr Straw condemned the Israelis after they used
F-16s against the Palestinians.
But yesterday he said: "Any interruption to the supply of
these components would have serious implications for the UK's defence
relations with the US. We are not a pacifist country."
His comments fuelled charges that Tony Blair was George Bush's
"poodle". Brian Iddon, secretary of the Commons all party
Palestine group, said: "We are aiding and abetting the Americans
to attack the Palestinians."
Slamming the turnabout as "completely immoral", Labour
MP Alice Mahon said: "After continuing to arm India when she
was on the brink of nuclear war, this is too much to swallow."
Up to now, the Government has refused to issue export licences
for equipment bound for Israel if it could be used against the Palestinians.
Now it will decide on a "case by case" basis. The F-16
components are head-up displays used by pilots to lock on to targets.
Downing Street said the changed guidelines reflected the "new
reality" of the international defence industry.
Anger
Over Arms To Israel
By Bob Roberts Political Correspondent
The Mirror
9 July 2002
JACK Straw last night faced being hauled before the Commons after
an amazing "arms for Israel" about-turn provoked outrage
among MPs.
Announcing new guidelines, the Foreign Secretary revealed that
export licences had been granted for British bombing equipment to
be installed in US F-16 fighter planes bound for Israel.
Critics say the planes could be used to launch fresh missile attacks
on the Palestinians.
Fuelling claims that Britain was in thrall to George Bush, Mr Straw
said any interruption to the supply of the British components would
have "serious implications" for UK-US defence relations.
He added: "We are not a pacifist country. I do not believe
that we would make the world a safer place by Britain not being
involved in responsible defence exports."
His comments were in stark contrast to his condemnation on April
16 after the Israelis launched F-16 strikes against the West Bank.
Then, he told MPs: "I am profoundly concerned at the scenes
of widespread destruction of densely populated refugee camps."
Last night furious Labour MPs demanded that Mr Straw be brought
before the Commons to justify his latest decision.
Commons Speaker Michael Martin will decide today whether to allow
a Private Notice Question which compels ministers to answer criticism
in Parliament.
The Government currently refuses export licences for equipment
directly bound for Israel if it could be used against the Occupied
Territories. That policy is said to remain unchanged.
But Mr Straw has ruled that licences for goods to be incorporated
into products for onward export should be assessed case by case.
Among factors to be considered are the importance of the UK's defence
relationship with the "incorporating country".
British "head-up displays" - used by pilots to lock on
to bombing targets - can now be installed in the US F-16s destined
for Israel.
Mr Straw said: "Appropriate use of arms exported to Israel
by the US is the subject of regular dialogue. When the US have concerns
they make these known to the Israelis."
Don Anderson, chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee,
demanded a debate.
He was backed by Labour's Ann Clwyd, who said: "We must have
an opportunity to question the Foreign Secretary on the continuing
export of arms to Israel by the US or any other country."
Labour MP Alice Mahon warned of "growing unease" among
fellow backbenchers at Mr Straw's "completely immoral"
decision.
She said: "There are only a few planes involved. They could
have put it on hold. It's another example of Bush saying 'Do this'."
Lib Dem spokesman Menzies Campbell said the relaxation in arms
rules would leave the door open to exports "of any kind".
He said: "This clearly rushed and reactive change of policy
provides maximum flexibility and minimum accountability.
"It gives the Government absolute discretion. Who on earth
believes that hopes of peace in the Middle East will be helped one
bit by this decision?"
Phil Bloomer, of Oxfam, added: "This could lead to British
arms turning up in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts. That
Straw is prepared to push through more questionable sales is worrying."
The UK will spend about £4million on joint research with
the US on missile technology, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said
yesterday.
In Jerusalem Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres met the Palestinian
Finance Minister, the first Cabinet level talks between the two
sides in four months. But no breakthrough was expected.
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