Elham Asaad Buaras
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is under renewed pressure to cease UK arms sales to Israel should he become Prime Minister on July 4, as more than 100 artists, including Rizwan “Riz” Ahmed and Steve Coogan, have urged him to halt exports should Labour assume power.
The Oscar-winning British Muslim actor known for his role in Star Wars and the Bafta-winning British-Irish comedian, alongside figures such as Maxine Peake, Paloma Faith, Dame Harriet Walter, and Asif Kapadia, have called upon the Labour leader to “terminate UK involvement in acts of aggression in Gaza.”
These artists argue that continuing to supply arms to Israel while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, amidst concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, is “ethically unacceptable.”.
The group also cites a directive from the International Court of Justice, the highest judicial body of the United Nations, urging Israel to “immediately cease its military operations in Rafah” in southern Gaza, alleging that Tel Aviv disregarded this order.
In their letter to Starmer, the artists state: “Countries such as Spain have already taken steps to halt arms sales to Israel. It is time for the UK to do the same and demonstrate its dedication to human rights and international law. Surveys indicate that you are likely to assume office as the next prime minister, with a pledge of ‘change’.
“As a former human rights attorney, you possess a unique opportunity to instigate significant change by terminating UK involvement in acts of aggression in Gaza.”
The ICC arrest warrant was condemned as “outrageous” by US President Joe Biden, who also dismissed allegations of genocide by Israel in Gaza. Israel vehemently denies these accusations as well.
The appeal from cultural figures further amplifies internal pressure on Starmer to address the crisis. Tobias Menzies, known for his role in The Crown; Miriam Margolyes from the Harry Potter series; and Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack, have also endorsed the letter. Last year, 56 Labour MPs defied party lines and eight shadow ministers resigned to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a parliamentary vote. Discontent over Labour’s position on Gaza has also tempered enthusiasm for the party’s gains in the May local elections.
Despite intense calls to suspend arms export licenses for Israel, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has thus far resisted, contending that UK defence exports to the country are “relatively modest,” totalling just £42 million in 2022.
Lord Cameron has also noted that only approximately 0.1 per cent of Israel’s overall arms exports originate from the UK. However, proponents of a ban emphasise that it would carry significant symbolic weight and increase diplomatic pressure on Israel regarding its actions in Gaza.
A Labour spokesperson stated that the party would promptly review government legal advice upon assuming power before deciding on arms exports.
“If Labour secures victory in the election, we will evaluate the most current legal advice and act accordingly.”
Photo: Over 100 artists, including Paloma Faith, Riz Ahmed, and Steve Coogan (pictured), are urging Sir Keir Starmer to stop exports if Labour comes to power. (Credit: Wikimedia)
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