Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly dismissed demands for a total ban on arms sales to Israel, describing such a move as “the wrong position” and something he would “never” support.

His comments came in response to independent MPs Zarah Sultana and Richard Burgon, who have both called for stricter measures against Israel’s military actions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Both MPs, who lost the Labour whip in July for supporting an SNP motion on welfare policy, have been vocal in their opposition to the UK’s arms sales to Israel. Sultana, MP for Coventry South, used a recent debate on the October 7 Hamas attacks to accuse Israel of engaging in what she described as a “genocidal assault” in Gaza, as well as perpetrating violence in the West Bank and an “invasion” of Lebanon. She demanded that the Prime Minister halt all arms sales to Israel, including advanced fighter jets like the F-35.

Sultana’s pointed question was met with a stark refusal from Starmer. “No,” he replied, clarifying that while it was a serious issue, banning all arms sales, even those for defensive purposes, would be irresponsible, particularly given the attacks on Israel, which he attributed to Iran. Starmer argued that, especially in the context of ongoing threats from Iran, a blanket ban on arms sales would be the wrong approach for the UK government.

Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, also pressed for a tougher stance on Israel, asking whether banning all arms sales might be necessary to push Israeli leaders toward supporting a ceasefire, as recommended by international court rulings. Again, Starmer rejected the notion of a complete ban, reiterating that arms sales for defensive purposes were vital given the volatile regional context.

Starmer also expressed his support for police action against pro-Hezbollah demonstrators, an issue raised by Conservative MP Robert Jenrick during a recent Palestine rally. In a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, the Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian aggression in accordance with international law, though he acknowledged that the suffering of civilians on all sides had gone on for far too long.

“The region cannot endure another year of this,” Starmer said, stressing the need for restraint and urging all parties to step back from the brink of further escalation.

While Starmer condemned Hamas for its role in the October 7 attacks, which he linked to Iranian support, he also acknowledged the broader humanitarian crisis, citing the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, the displacement of nearly two million people, and the desperate conditions in Gaza. The UK government, which had previously suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel over concerns of possible violations of international humanitarian law, has so far resisted calls for a complete arms embargo.

Starmer's position is clear: while he acknowledges the humanitarian concerns, he maintains that a total ban on arms sales to Israel is not the right solution, especially in light of ongoing threats from regional actors like Iran. Photo by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.