Carmichael backs calls for suspension of arms sales to Israel

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today backed called from the Liberal Democrats for the government to suspend arms sales to Israel, following the deaths of seven aid workers including three UK nationals in an Israeli air strike in Gaza.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The deaths of aid workers in Gaza this week are just the latest outrage in this miserable conflict. These brave people were trying to help starving families in Gaza – their own families can be proud of what they were doing but they should not have to go through that grief. 

“The idea that UK-made arms could be used in strikes such as these is completely unacceptable. The government must act now to suspend arms exports to Israel – and use all our influence to mitigate this humanitarian disaster.

“I am glad that the Liberal Democrats are taking a strong stance on arms sales but this cannot be a party matter. We all need to work together to improve the UK government’s position on this issue. 

“We have seen some progress on this in recent weeks but there is far more that must be done. We must redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire.”