**Dua Lipa, Gary Lineker and Other Prominent Figures Call on Prime Minister to Halt UK Arms Sales to Israel**
A growing coalition of high-profile celebrities, activists, and public figures has intensified pressure on the British government, demanding an immediate cessation of all arms sales to Israel. This latest call, delivered through an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, features the signatures of more than 300 well-known individuals from the worlds of entertainment, music, sport, and humanitarian advocacy.
Amongst the most recognisable names urging this action are singer Dua Lipa, former footballer and television presenter Gary Lineker, and award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch. The letter, which was coordinated by the charity Choose Love, implores the prime minister to “take immediate action to end the UK’s complicity in the horrors of Gaza”.
The signatories appeal not only for a suspension of arms transfers but also for greater humanitarian engagement. Specifically, they call upon Sir Keir to use “all available means” to ensure that life-saving aid can reach those in need within Gaza, and to commit to brokering an “immediate and permanent ceasefire”. The campaign has drawn wide support from across British culture, including the likes of Brian Cox, Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, and Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos.
The open letter arrives at a time when international focus on the conflict in Gaza has sharply increased, following Israel’s renewed military offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken openly about pursuing “total victory” over Hamas, an approach that has prompted global condemnation and increasing diplomatic tension.
In response to these developments, the UK government has already taken some steps. Trade talks with Israel have been suspended, sanctions have been placed on certain West Bank settlers, and Israel’s ambassador has been summoned for discussions. Prime Minister Starmer has himself labelled the situation in Gaza as “intolerable”, highlighting the risk of mass starvation due to the ongoing humanitarian blockade.
Despite these actions, campaigners and human rights advocates argue that more decisive measures are necessary. Josie Naughton, founder of Choose Love and organiser of the open letter, insisted, “Words won’t save the lives of Palestinian children as they are being killed, words won’t fill their empty stomachs. We need action from Keir Starmer now. That means stopping arms sales, making sure that legitimate humanitarian organisations can reach people in Gaza, and doing everything possible to end these horrors.”
Currently, the UK government maintains that it has already suspended or refused licences for military goods that could be used in the ongoing conflict. Specifically, some arms export licences to Israel have been paused for items directly involved in combat operations. However, the government contends that a total ban, especially on components for the F-35 fighter jet, is not feasible due to the UK’s involvement in a multinational supply chain where end-use cannot always be controlled.
A government spokesperson recently reiterated the UK’s position, stating, “We strongly oppose the expansion of military operations in Gaza and call on the Israeli government to cease its offensive and immediately allow for unfettered access to humanitarian aid. The denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law.”
Pressure on ministers is unlikely to subside soon, as the open letter movement has gained traction both inside and outside the corridors of power. Other activists and organisations continue to urge the government to implement a complete embargo on military-related exports to Israel, arguing this is a necessary step to ensure Britain does not inadvertently fuel further violence.
Meanwhile, public debate rages on over the UK’s responsibilities as an arms-exporting nation, with campaigners, political leaders, and everyday citizens grappling with the ethical and practical implications of Britain’s role in the broader conflict.
For now, the government maintains its position of encouraging all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and to work towards long-term peace. Yet, with influential public figures joining the chorus for stronger action, pressure on Downing Street to revisit its policy on arms sales to Israel looks set to intensify further in the days to come.