MP seeks clarity over arms exports to Israel

An MP is demanding more clarity over rules governing exports of arms to Israel and other conflict zones.

Vikki Slade made the call after the logo of Dorset firm RCV Engines was featured in a promotional video for a drone made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole has written to the Ferndown-based company to ask if its drone engines are being used in Gaza.

A spokesman for RCV said its engines were "not in use in any military campaigns" and added: "The engine shown in the footage... was purchased by our [Israeli] customer, not IAI."

IAI is an Israeli state-owned manufacturer, and in a description of the video it said the drone could be used "in combat scenarios".

In September 2024, the UK government suspended around 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza over International Humanitarian Law concerns.

More than 300 licenses to sell to Israel are still in place - not including exemptions for specific components.

An RCV spokesman said the company "will not be supplying engines for any operational drones to Israel because we have given notice of termination of supply to our Israeli customer".

The BBC understands the UK government told the company it did not require an arms export licence to sell its engines abroad, provided they were not designed or modified for military applications.

Speaking more broadly about current export controls, Ms Slade said she was concerned items designed for non-military purposes could still be used in combat operations.

Last year Prof Nizam Mamode, from Hampshire, told MPs Israeli drones would target children who were lying injured after bombings near the Nasser hospital.

Ms Slade said: "Should we rethink what sort of equipment is now deadly?

"We can call it a loop-hole we can call it a grey area. I'm not affixing any blame to this government.

"But they now need to make sure that standards are as high as they can be. Not just for Gaza, but for other places as well."

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: "We have a robust licensing regime in place for exports of controlled goods and have suspended relevant licences for components that might be used in military operations in Gaza."

UN experts have stressed that companies must end arms transfers to Israel immediately or "risk responsibility for human rights violations".

Israel launched a military campaign on Hamas in response to a cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 54,470 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 4,201 since Israel resumed its offensive on 18 March, according to the territory's health ministry.

The BBC has approached Israel Aerospace Industries for comment.

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