In December 2023, GLAN and Al-Haq took the UK government to the High Court over weapons exports to Israel in light of clear violations of international law (IHL).
The case detailed that it is unlawful for the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade to grant licences to export weapons to Israel because it is a breach of the government’s own policy, the Export Licensing Criteria, which requires that licences won’t be granted if there a clear risk that weapons will be used to commit or facilitate serious breaches of international humanitarian law; or if it is inconsistent with the Arms Trade Treaty.In 2024, GLAN and Al-Haq informed the government of our intention to seek an emergency court order (interim relief) for a complete stop to all UK arms export licences. Following this the government suspended around 30 export licenses for arms sales to Israel. The suspension included all weapons that could be used in Gaza and the West Bank but crucially excluded the global F35 programme, creating a loophole where parts could still be sent to Israel via other states in the programme.
GLAN and Al-Haq send pre-action letter to the UK Government notifying them of the clear risk of violations of international humanitarian law by Israel in its bombardment and siege of Gaza.
GLAN and Al-Haq file a legal action in the High Court asking for an expedited timeline.
Court initially dismisses our case.
GLAN lawyers file request for an oral hearing to appeal the dismissal and asked that a hearing be expedited.
Oral hearing in High Court results in our case being revived and expedited. A full hearing is set for October 2024.
Al-Haq and GLAN write to the new government to demand an immediate end to arms exports.
Al-Haq and GLAN file extensive evidence detailing Israel's atrocity crimes and our legal arguments with the High Court.
Al-Haq and GLAN initiate emergency injunction proceedings to stop all arms exports to Israel.
Government announces partial suspension of arms exports but exclude the F35 programme.
Government admits in open court that Israel not committed to complying with IHL.
Expedited hearing to decide Al-Haq’s challenge of the government’s decision in September to (i) keep supplying F-35 parts to Israel indirectly (the ‘F-35 Carve Out Decision’), and (ii) keep supplying equipment that the government did not assess were capable of being used in the conflict in Gaza
The High Court refuses permission for the case to proceed. F-35 exports are allowed to continue. They rule that Parliament should be responsible for such decisions due to national security elements argued by the government in court.
Al-Haq and GLAN launch an appeal against the court's decision.
A special hearing of the Court of Appeal took place on 9 October to decide whether to grant permission to challenge the High Court’s decision that failed to halt British F-35 exports to Israel. On 12 November, permission to appeal was denied.
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