Greens call for SNP to provide urgent update on support for Israel’s arms dealers
The SNP must urgently update parliament on what it is doing to end Scottish Government support for companies arming and supporting Israel, say the Scottish Greens.
The Scottish Government has rightly opposed the bombing and collective punishment of Gaza. Despite this, since the war began, it has given over £1 million to companies that have armed Israel via its business unit, Scottish Enterprise.
It has been three months since the Scottish Government committed to review the human rights checks which are applied by public bodies to grant applicants, following a motion brought by the Scottish Greens.
Yet, so far, no substantive updates have been provided, and the terms of the review have yet to be published.
The legality of UK arms exports to Israel is being considered this week by the High Court in London, following a legal challenge by campaigners.
Scottish Green Co-leader Lorna Slater said:
“The genocide in Gaza is getting worse with every passing day. The scale of the suffering is horrific.
“The destruction is only possible because of the companies and governments who have armed and supported the assault.
“The Scottish Government talks a lot about human rights, but it has continued to pour money into the companies who are making a killing from the conflict.
“It is three months since the Deputy First Minister committed to reviewing the grants given by the Scottish Government but there have been no details.
“With UK arms exports in court this week, it is long past time for them to set out the terms of the review and to at least provide a timeline and explain what advice they have taken from human rights experts.
“Any human rights policy worthy of the name would have to conclude that it is wrong to be funding companies who are profiting from war crimes and killing, so why are they taking so long?
“Scotland may not have the power to halt UK complicity in Israel’s attacks on Gaza, but we can lead by example. The message should be clear, not another penny for Israel’s arms dealers.”
Text of letter from Lorna Slater to DFM Kate Forbes
Dear DFM Forbes
Thank you for your response dated 17th March 2025 regarding the Scottish Enterprise Funding for Arms Companies.
However, it is three months since the vote and the Scottish Government is yet to publish the terms of the review or any timeline.
With Israeli forces planning a full occupation of Palestine, the humanitarian crisis is becoming even more grave and severe. This development could have significant implications for the Palestinians and the overall stability of the region.
This week the High Court in London is considering the legality of UK arms exports to Israel, including weapons that have been made by companies who have received grants from Scottish Enterprise.
Given the gravity of the situation, I would like to inquire about what actions the Scottish Government is taking in response to these reports, when this review will take place, who will be carrying it out and which human rights experts will be consulted in its production.
I look forward to your response and to learning more about the actions being taken to address this pressing issue.