As per 2022 statistics, the majority of UK defence exports go to the Middle East. However, with rising contest in the region the UK Government have suspended arms export licences to Israel due to concerns over their use in the Gaza conflict.
The UK arms export industry brings in a seismic revenue to the UK economy; and increasing investment would only aid this. Investing into technological and mechanical innovation, as well as a secure armoury, would grow the industry and allow the UK to become more self reliant in national security terms.
Despite Starmer’s intent to increase defence spending, the UK is not under any immediate or foremost threat which might necessitate this investment.
The UK arms industry is primarily held by private companies, including BAE Systems plc and Leonardo UK Ltd. Although the government acts as a regulator within the arms industry, any investment would need to be private rather from the state. This being said, the UK does not currently sit in a position where it requires further investment in arms. Despite Starmer’s intent to increase defence spending, the UK is not under any immediate or foremost threat which might necessitate this investment.
The pressure group Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has been lobbying against arms in the UK since 1974. They focus on the relationship between UK arms exports and the rest of the world, noting the ethical considerations that must be upheld in the arms trade industry.
Nevertheless, the example of Israel and its now suspended export licences sheds lights onto the murky waters of the arms industry.
Whilst the UK gain a significant revenue from arms trade, there is no guarantee how the weapons that the UK export are going to be used. The UK does not outwardly sell arms to countries that specifically use them to violate human rights or international law. Nevertheless, the example of Israel and its now suspended export licences sheds lights onto the murky waters of the arms industry.
The recent fall of the United States USAID programme however, endorses a UK prerogative to increase national security and to support our Soverign capabilities. Investment in arms would sponsor an increase in high value and highly skilled jobs, and would help to quell questions over the position of the UK in the global forum.
As long as ethical considerations are upheld, and investment does not cost the taxpayer, I don’t see why investment in arms would be harmful to the UK or its global position.
In their Defence Industrial Strategy the Government notes its support of ‘a robust arms export regime committed to upholding international law’. As long as ethical considerations are upheld, and investment does not cost the taxpayer, I don’t see why investment in arms would be harmful to the UK or its global position.