Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Universal Jurisdiction (Extension)

25 April 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Brendan O'Hara raised concerns about universal jurisdiction (extension) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill aims to amend the International Criminal Court Act 2001 to allow UK courts to prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity regardless of location or nationality.
  • The bill seeks to address current legal limitations that restrict jurisdiction to cases involving UK nationals or residents.
  • Concerns were raised regarding the bill's intent to tighten existing legislation on prosecuting the world's most severe crimes.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

The Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill would tighten existing legislation on bringing to justice those responsible for the world’s most heinous crimes. It aims to amend the International Criminal Court Act 2001 so that UK courts can prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity regardless of where they were committed or the nationality or location of perpetrators or victims. The bill seeks to address loopholes in current law which limit jurisdiction to cases involving UK nationals or residents.

Other contributors (1)
  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    The Bill aims to strengthen the UK’s ability to prosecute international crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It addresses current limitations that require a connection between the accused or victims to the UK. The bill would ensure no hiding place for those responsible for such grave crimes worldwide.

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