Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Criminal Court: Ukraine

Tuesday 5 July 2022 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Patricia Gibson asked about UK support for the International Criminal Court's investigation into war crimes in Ukraine, to which the response included financial and technical assistance, a liaison officer from the Met in The Hague, and discussions with other supportive states.
  • Patricia Gibson also inquired about discussions with non-ICC member governments to encourage their support and funding for the ICC's work on holding the Putin regime accountable.
  • Robert Jenrick questioned whether Russia's trial of British nationals in Ukraine constitutes a war crime and sought information on UK support to help Ukraine gather evidence for such cases.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patricia Gibson SNP
Justice & Courts Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Criminal Court celebrated its 20th anniversary but has achieved only three war crime convictions. There is concern about the need for sustained international support and funding to hold the Putin regime accountable.

Question

What support his Department is providing to the International Criminal Court's investigation into war crimes in Ukraine? The ICC has managed only three war crime convictions in 20 years, but if the Putin regime is to be held accountable, that will only happen with sustained international support and funding. Have discussions been had with international counterparts in Governments who are not members of the International Criminal Court to encourage them to join?

Answer from Dominic Raab

We have offered financial and technical support including a dedicated liaison officer from the Met in The Hague to facilitate information co-operation, military analysis support, and witness protection support. I have had discussions with other supportive states parties such as the US war crimes ambassador.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussion details with non-member governments about joining the ICC were not provided.

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Q2 Patricia Gibson SNP
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Criminal Court celebrated its 20th anniversary but has achieved only three war crime convictions. There is concern about the need for sustained international support and funding to hold the Putin regime accountable.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that, if the Putin regime is to be held accountable, that will only happen with sustained international support and funding? Has he had discussions with international counterparts in Governments who are not members of the International Criminal Court to encourage them to join?

Answer from Dominic Raab

I thank the hon. Lady, and she is absolutely right that the Court can only do so much. We have provided financial support, a dedicated liaison officer from the Met in The Hague to facilitate information co-operation, military analysis support, and witness protection support. I have had discussions with other supportive states parties including the US war crimes ambassador.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussion details with non-member governments about joining the ICC were not provided.

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Q3 Robert Jenrick Reform Newark
Ukraine
Context

Russia and its proxies are placing on trial four British nationals, including three serving members of the Ukrainian armed forces and one civilian. Two have been sentenced to death, raising concerns about international justice.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Russia's decision to place four British nationals—three serving members of the Ukrainian armed forces and a civilian—on trial amounts to a war crime? What support will he give to the Ukrainian authorities to help them gather evidence for these cases?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Absolutely right, this is an unlawful act taking Russia further into pariah status. We have said that clearly and our allies agree. On Ukraine, we are providing support to the ICC and I have had meetings with Ukrainian Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General to ensure they have all necessary support for domestic investigations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific details about gathering evidence were not fully addressed.

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