Extract from urgent question (Commons) on the humanitarian situation in Gaza - Apr 17

Ronnie Cowan (Inverclyde) (SNP): F-35s are reducing Gaza to dust. During Pinochet's brutal rule in Chile, the workers of Rolls-Royce in East Kilbride refused to manufacture parts for the Chilean air force and were hailed as heroes. Why would the UK Government not follow that humanitarian example and stop exporting the parts for F-35s?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (David Rutley): It is because we have got one of the most robust arms export regimes in the world, and, as I have said, we need to recognise Israel's right to defend itself. The hon. Member probably noticed what happened over the weekend with the attacks from Iran. That situation is not just important for what happens in Israel—vital though that is for those involved in Gaza—but has ripple effects that are destabilising the region, and that has global implications as well.