Former Supreme Court judges call for Israel arms embargo

Former Supreme Court president Baroness Hale of Richmond, Lord Sumption and Lord Wilson are among the highest-profile signatories to the 17-page letter, which accuses the government of “failing to discharge its international obligations”.

Since a previous lawyers’ letter was published in October 2023, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza and the UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, it notes.

“In accordance with its duties under the Genocide Convention, the UK government must take immediate action to address the risk of genocide unfolding in the Gaza Strip, commensurate with its distinctive capacity to influence Israel,” the letter states.

As well as suspending the provision of weapons, the letter urges the government to sanction individuals and entities “who have made statements inciting genocide against Palestinians”, as well as to end trade negotiations and instead consider the imposition of sanctions on Israel.

It also calls on the UK government to work towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to help support the delivery of aid, including by restoring suspended UK government funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The letter has been signed by over 600 retired judges, legal practitioners and legal academics from across the UK.

Scottish signatories include Professor Nicole Busby, Professor Angela Daly, Dr Gail Lythgoe and Dr Lea Raible.