The Language of Collusion
THE CLAIM: Al Jazeera reports on Jeremy Corbyn's accusation of UK 'complicity' following Wes Streeting's acknowledgement of 'abuses' in Gaza. Streeting, a UK Shadow Cabinet minister, reportedly stated that 'abuses' of international law had occurred but then clarified his stance, emphasizing support for the current government's policy. THE EVIDENCE: Streeting initially stated, 'I have been clear
throughout that there have been abuses of international law, and there should be accountability for that.' (Al Jazeera, 2026). However, the subsequent clarification reasserting support for the UK government's position (which includes continued arms sales to Netanyahu's government) effectively neutralizes any implied critique. The UK's arms exports to Netanyahu's government amounted to £487 million
($615 million USD) since 2015, including components for military aircraft and missiles (Campaign Against Arms Trade, 2023 data cited from UK government reports). THE CONTRADICTIONS: The fundamental contradiction lies in the simultaneous acknowledgement of 'abuses' and the refusal to alter policy or resign. If 'abuses of international law' are recognized, then a nation professing adherence to
international law should logically cease aiding the perpetrating entity. The concept of 'accountability' becomes meaningless when the accuser continues to arm the accused. This mirrors the pattern seen during the 2003 Iraq War, where intelligence officials privately expressed doubts about WMD claims while public statements maintained the casus belli, enabling parliamentary votes for war (Butler