‘We Sell Israel Weapons’: Owen Jones Accuses UK of Complicity in Heated Debate With Quentin Letts

Guardian journalist Owen Jones and Daily Mail’s Quentin Letts tackled the hot-button topic of UK complicity in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict on Thursday’s Good Morning Britain in a fiery debate that got personal.

During the segment, Jones was passionately pointing out commentary focused on misconceptions he’d heard voiced that the violence is inherent to Islam.” Jones underscored that the conflict was not related to Islam but rooted in political and historical context, especially the founding of Israel, which he said “wasn’t a peaceful foundation.”

Watching Letts’ expression change, host Kate Garraway tried to steer the debate by prompting Owen to allow him to respond.

“I mean there was something called the Holocaust, which was quite important,” the Daily Mail writer began. “But I just think that the more you talk about it, Owen, I just urge you to rein it in.”

Jones swiftly retorted: “Rein what in?”

As Letts attempted to respond, Owen interrupted: “People are dying in quite large numbers and our own government is complicit in that.”

Jones highlighted the UK’s arms deals with Israel and diplomatic support, linking it to deaths in Gaza as a result of the Israeli bombardment. The bombardment and a complete siege of Gaza has been ongoing since Hamas’ devastating attack on Israel on October 7th.

“We do as citizens actually have a role to play, Owens insisted. “I would argue we sell Israel weapons, we support, we give them diplomatic cover. And when you have 1000 children now estimated dead in Gaza, a child dead every 15 minutes, if we don’t speak out I would argue we’re complicit in what’s happening. I think it’s important.”

Letts countered by urging for a more composed conversation, cautioning Jones against “getting quite so hot.” He added: “I just don’t think it serves matters by getting quite so hot.”

“If we’re not passionate about this, I’d ask what we are passionate about because I think we are…” Jones responded.

“Because Owen, I think you make matters worse,” Letts shot back.

Resisting the jibes, Jones emphasised once again the UK’s involvement, saying: “We sell Israel weapons and we are standing shoulder to shoulder with them as they conduct an illegal siege, which is illegal, and they throw weapons into densely populated civilian areas.”