Committee publication · Correspondence · 4 December 2025
Letter from the Secretary of State for Defence relating to Israeli participation at Defence Security Equipment International, 22 September 2025
From: Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls
Inquiry: Arms exports to Israel
Summary
Secretary of State for Defence John Healey writes to explain the UK Government's decision not to extend an official DSEI 2025 invitation to the Israeli government, citing concerns about Israel's compliance with international law, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and militarisation in the West Bank. While Israeli defence industry companies were permitted to exhibit (a decision made by event organisers Clarion), no official Israeli government or military representatives attended.
Key findings
- The UK Government did not extend an official DSEI 2025 invitation to the Israeli government, aligned with the Government's opposition to the conflict and its position on export licensing to Israel.
- No official representatives of the Israeli government or military were present at DSEI 2025.
- The decision on Israeli industry participation rested with DSEI event organisers Clarion, who extended invitations to Israeli defence companies to display at the show.
- The Government worked with Clarion to ensure all exhibitors adhered to regulatory standards and the Export Control Act 2002; displays and marketing materials were inspected and any items contravening UK sanctions or unlicensed export controls were removed.
- 66 companies identified themselves as Israeli when signing up for DSEI with Clarion, listed in Annex A, though additional companies with Israeli ownership may not be clearly identified as such.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, Government of Israel, Clarion (DSEI event organisers), Export Control Organisation, Foreign Secretary, Trade Secretary
Notable line
“… recent actions taken by the Government of Israel have prompted serious concerns regarding Israel's commitment and compliance with international law.”
Key Quotes
“Whilst valuing our longstanding partnership with Israel, recent actions taken by the Government of Israel have prompted serious concerns regarding Israel's commitment and compliance with international law.”
“As a consequence, this year the UK Government did not extend an official DSEI invitation to the Israeli government.”
“The decision on whether Israeli industry should have been invited rested with DSEI event organisers, Clarion.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗