Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rule of Law

Tuesday 8 September 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The FCDO supports Judge Joanna Korner QC's candidature for the International Criminal Court.
  • The FCDO has reduced ROLE UK funding due to economic pressures.
  • Conversations with ROLE UK suggest the programme may continue to operate.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Neill Con
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The question is about steps taken by the Department for International Development to promote the rule of law abroad, particularly through the ROLE UK programme.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to promote the rule of law internationally. The best way to promote it is always to adhere to it ourselves and specifically will the Government continue with the excellent ROLE UK programme which has given grants for British lawyers and judges to provide pro bono advice and support to developing countries.

Answer from Nigel Adams

The FCDO supports Judge Joanna Korner QC's candidature for the International Criminal Court. The Department has reduced ROLE UK funding due to economic pressures but remains committed through conversations with ROLE UK to ensure its continued operation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific continuation of funding for ROLE UK programme was not confirmed beyond verbal commitment and conversations.

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Q2 Bob Neill Con
Justice & Courts Foreign Affairs Standards & Ethics
Context

The question addresses the continuation of funding for a specific programme that has been running for five years to support developing countries through pro bono legal advice.

Question

I wish Judge Korner well in her candidature. The best way is to adhere to it ourselves and specifically will the Government continue with ROLE UK, a rule of law expertise programme which provides grants to British lawyers and judges to give pro bono support to developing countries?

Answer from Nigel Adams

The FCDO acknowledges the importance of pro bono work from UK legal professionals through ROLE UK. Funding has been reduced this year due to economic pressures, but conversations with ROLE UK indicate continued operation is possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific continuation of funding for ROLE UK programme was not confirmed beyond verbal commitment and conversations.

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