Nick Clegg and Vince Cable have been very clear for some time both privately and publicly that they wanted to see arms export licences to Israel suspended because of the situation in Gaza.

Following a Government review, twelve licences have been identified for components which could be part of equipment used by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza

If the current ceasefire ends in Gaza and there was a resumption of significant hostilities, then there would be an immediate suspension of those arms export licences to Israel that give cause for concern.

It is no secret that there has been a difference of opinion in the Coalition Government on this issue. This is a coalition and this is as far as we have been able to reach in collective agreement with the Conservatives. It has taken a significant amount of time and effort from Liberal Democrats in government to get us this far.