Coventry MP Zarah Sultana accuses UK government of aiding 'war crimes' in Gaza on BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

A Coventry MP spoke of her outrage over what she claims are the government's war crimes' over its approach to the conflict in Gaza. Zarah Sultana, who represents Coventry South, appeared on the BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg this morning (May 12).

She criticised the UK government and said it was “unacceptable” that arms exports to Israel have not been suspended. Presenter Laura Kuenssberg said the local MP had been 'very outspoken' on the issue to which she said: "I think it has been truly tragic. Over 35,000 people have died, 70 per cent women and children.

"Gaza's health care system completely dismantled. Every single university destroyed as well as schools. We see attacks on journalists, health workers and the government has done very little. In fact, when we look at the role we are playing, we are aiding and abetting what are war crimes that are happening on a daily basis.

"Our arms licensing system, which we are constantly told is robust, it's so stringent- that's an absolute lie. We have a precautionary principle, well we are meant to anyway, and it hasn't been upheld."

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She continued: "David Cameron, as Prime Minister in 2014, under a coalition government, reviewed arms sales to Israel during its conflict in Gaza, and said that if that had continued, arms sales would be suspended. Now we have a higher death toll, we have got a potential assault into Rafah with 1.5 million people who are already displaced, have nowhere left to go and we are not suspending arms.

"It is unacceptable." It is not the first time she has spoken out about the ongoing conflict but has come under some criticism from sections of the community locally for not focusing on issues in the city.

The Labour MP was not the only local MP to appear on the politics show this morning. Warwickshire Member of Parliament Nadhim Zahawi also featured.

Only earlier this week, the long-standing Stratford representative and former Chancellor announced that he would not be standing in the next General Election. He said the ‘time is right’ for someone else to represent the constituency.

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