Carmichael calls on government to clarify position on UK-Israel 2030 roadmap agreement

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has called on the government to clarify its position on the 2030 Roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relations, signed by the previous government in March 2023. During a debate in Parliament on Israel and Palestine on Monday evening, Mr Carmichael highlighted the inconsistency between the Roadmap and the new government’s decision to partially restrict the sale of arms to Israel over human rights concerns in the conflict in Gaza, and called on the responding minister to address the point. The minister did not address the issue in his speech concluding the debate.

Intervening in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“The 2030 Roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relations has an extensive provision within that in relation to defence and security. It’s difficult to see how the current government can continue with this roadmap while suspending arms sales. Will she join me in calling on the minister to clarify today the status of that roadmap with the current government, because it was entered into under the previous government?”

Responding, Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage said:

“I thank him for that intervention – and likewise look forward to the minister’s statement on this matter.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“I was disappointed that the minister did not make any reference to the 2030 Roadmap in his response to the debate. The agreement the previous government made with Israel was substantial – it is not unreasonable to ask whether the new government still holds to it. 

“No one questions the right of Israel to defend itself but that is not and never can be a blank cheque, particularly in the use of UK-made weapons. 

“The government must go further and suspend arms exports to Israel. We need to redouble our efforts to secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire and a lasting peace.”