UK civil servants call for halt in arms exports to Israel

Civil servants in the UK in charge of arms exports to Israel have called to "cease work immediately" amid concerns of potential complicity in war crimes committed in Gaza.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), representing government workers, has urgently sought a meeting with the Department for Business and Trade to address "the legal jeopardy faced by civil servants who are continuing to work on this policy", Sky News reported.

"Given the implications for our members we believe there are ample grounds to immediately suspend all such work," the letter sent on Wednesday said.

"We therefore request that you meet with us urgently to discuss this matter and cease work immediately."

According to Sky News, PCS is contemplating taking legal measures against the government.

"As it does not appear to be willing to do so, we are seriously considering taking legal action to prevent our members from being forced to carry out unlawful acts. We do not take such cases lightly and we only do so where we have reasonable prospect of winning," Paul O'Connor, head of bargaining at PCS, said.