F35 Photo: Depositphotos
UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds was interrupted by two pro-Palestinian protesters who broke into the stage during his speech at the Chatham House think tank on Thursday. The incident was reported by Reuters.
Activists affiliated with the London for a Free Palestine movement protested against the sale of arms to Israel by the British authorities, including spare parts for F-35 fighter jets. One protester shouted: “They didn’t stop the F-35 trade!” Another accused the government of “complicity in genocide”.
Reynolds stood his ground and replied that the UK had already suspended some arms exports to Israel. According to him, 30 out of 350 export licences have been suspended since September. At the same time, the minister explained that the supply of components for the F-35 continues, as stopping these supplies “would be detrimental to the global fighter programme”.
“We have not suspended F-35 flights because they are a key element of our national security and play a special role in Ukraine’s defence,” Reynolds said. He added that the exception for the F-35 was officially announced in parliament.
The minister also noted that the British government adheres to a strict arms export control regime, which has already led to restrictions, in particular in connection with the war in the Middle East.
The incident underscores the growing public pressure on the British authorities regarding their position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially as the situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorates.
