Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Russia: International Accountability

Thursday 19 October 2023 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy asked about steps taken by the Attorney General to establish international accountability for Russia's actions against Ukraine, to which the response included support for Ukraine's judiciary and opening of files into alleged Russian war crimes.
  • Tom Randall inquired about the assessment of the abduction of young children from Ukraine to Russia, receiving a response that highlighted new sanctions against Russian officials involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children.
  • Jim Shannon questioned the Attorney General on the international community's efforts to counter concerns, with a response emphasizing the UK's support for international law and the importance of all parties abiding by it.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Justice & Courts
Context

The CPS Inspectorate recently conducted an investigation into the response to complaints from victims of crime, finding that almost half were below standard and only a third were adequate.

Question

I am sure the Solicitor General will be aware that the CPS Inspectorate recently conducted an investigation into the response to complaints from victims of crime. It found that almost half were below standard and only a third were “adequate”. Do victims of crime not deserve better?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her serious and important question. It is of the utmost importance that victims are well supported by all parts of the justice system. Improvements need to be made. In the Inspectorate's report, the complainants were looked at, from victims, defendants, witnesses, the police and others. There is clearly some way to go, but the CPS has accepted each and every one of the recommendations.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Ukraine
Context

The Attorney General is supporting my counterpart in Ukraine with practical assistance.

Question

What recent steps has the Attorney General taken to establish international accountability for Russia's actions against Ukraine?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

We are supporting my counterpart in Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, and Ukraine's judiciary with an ongoing package of practical assistance. They have opened over 100,000 files into alleged Russian war crimes. There is a growing body of evidence that serious crimes have been committed. Together, we will ensure that allegations of war crimes are investigated robustly and independently.

Answered
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Q3 Tom Randall
Ukraine
Context

The war in Ukraine continues, and there are ongoing concerns about the abduction of young children from Ukraine to Russia.

Question

What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the abduction of young children from Ukraine to Russia?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

Forced deportation of children is particularly abhorrent. In July, the Foreign Secretary announced 40 new sanctions against Russian officials who have been involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and the spreading of hate-filled propaganda. We continue to work closely with the Ukrainians. I am seeing Andriy Kostin in person again next week, and we remain involved at all levels, from the International Criminal Court to local prosecutions.

Answered
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Q4 Michael Fabricant Con
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The Attorney General has appeared before the International Court of Justice concerning the case against Russia.

Question

What steps is the Attorney General taking at international judicial level to ensure the rule of law is upheld?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

At the end of last month, I was honoured to appear personally before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. I made the UK's submissions in the case against Russia concerning the genocide convention. It was an important moment for the international rule of law. I fear this will be a long process, but we will pay our full part.

Answered
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Q5 Tom Randall
Ukraine Religion & Faith
Context

The Attorney General is aware of the abduction and killing of Baptist pastors in eastern Donbas when Crimea was taken over.

Question

Will the Attorney General intervene in that situation and help to give accountability to those families who have lost loved ones?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The hon. Gentleman always speaks so passionately, particularly on behalf of those involved in helping others with their religious beliefs, making sure that they are not persecuted around the world.

Not addressed: Specific actions related to missing Baptist pastors

How: Praise

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Q6 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Attorney General supports international law, but there are concerns that Russia may be exploiting the situation for its own purposes.

Question

Does the Attorney General share those concerns, and what efforts does she think the international community can take to counter that?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The UK has a strong track record of supporting international law, and we ask that our friends and partners do the same. It is clear to us that all parties should abide by international law. A courtroom brought Russia and Ukraine together in The Hague, showing the power of international law.

Not addressed: Specific actions related to concerns about Russia's involvement

How: Broad Statements, Principles

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Q7 Patricia Gibson SNP
Justice & Courts
Context

The CPS Inspectorate recently conducted an investigation into the response to complaints from victims of crime.

Question

What recent assessment has she made of the adequacy of the Crown Prosecution Service's written responses to complaints?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

Although progress has been made, the CPS acknowledges that there is more to do to ensure that every complaint gets a high-quality response in a timely manner. I will be discussing this very issue with the Director of Public Prosecutions at our next meeting.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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