Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Law: UK Obligations

Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK remains committed to upholding international law, citing its benefits to travel and trade.
  • The UK stands with the International Criminal Court and opposes sanctions imposed by the US Administration on the Court.
  • The Attorney General discussed how international law benefits constituents, using the example of travel facilitation through the Chicago convention.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Morello
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question arises in the context of international law's importance to the UK's global standing and internal security.

Question

What steps she is taking to help ensure that the UK upholds international law.

Answer from Ellie Reeves

We remain completely committed to upholding international law. That commitment reflects our values, but also the real benefits that international law brings to our everyday lives. It underpins the global rules that allow us to travel on holiday more easily and UK businesses to sell their goods abroad, and it enables greater co-operation between international law enforcement agencies, keeping our streets safer at home.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken were not detailed.

How: We Remain Committed

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Q2 Edward Morello
Foreign Affairs
Context

The US Administration has imposed sanctions on the ICC following the ICC judge Navi Pillay being awarded the Nobel peace prize, restricting access to emails and bank accounts.

Question

What steps are the Government taking with European allies to uphold international law and human rights in the face of threats to the ICC by the US Administration?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

The hon. Gentleman raises an incredibly important point. The UK stands with the International Criminal Court, and we stand united with our partners in strongly disagreeing with the sanctions imposed on the Court. The ICC must be permitted to continue its critical work of holding perpetrators of the most horrific international crimes to account. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in close contact with the Court and individuals impacted, to support them during this period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps with European allies were not detailed.

How: We Stand United With Our Partners

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Q3 Christopher Vince
Foreign Affairs
Context

The questioner aims to make the topic of international law relatable to constituents in Harlow.

Question

Could the Attorney General talk about the practical ways in which obeying international law can benefit my residents in Harlow?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for the people of Harlow, including on the topic of international law, which brings real benefits to us. For example, when his constituents set off for their summer holidays—presumably from Stansted airport—the Chicago convention, which governs flights, enables them to do so safely and securely.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific benefits were not thoroughly detailed.

How: Including Real Benefits

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Q4 Jerome Mayhew
Context

The Attorney General's legal guidance removed references to international law, including Lord Hermer's demands for compliance.

Question

What persuaded her that Lord Hermer's guidance to Government lawyers was wrong, and that the Conservatives were right all along that his guidance needed to be replaced?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his post, and I am pleased that he has raised the updated legal risk guidance. This is a Government committed to getting things done, and I make it clear in the revised guidance that, where there is a tenable legal argument, we can take action. On international law, my new guidance makes it clear that domestic law and international law should be treated in the same way. It is important that we adhere to both, and that is set out in the guidance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reasons were not detailed.

How: We Can Take Action

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Q5 Jerome Mayhew
Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

The Attorney General's new legal guidance added a new consideration regarding international court jurisdiction over the Chagos islands.

Question

Does the Attorney General now agree that the decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos islands has never been a legal imperative forced on the Government, but is instead a political decision, taken by Labour?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

The military base at Diego Garcia is critical for our national security, and for keeping people safe here in Britain. Our priority has always been clear: to secure the long-term, effective operation of that base. Since its creation, there have been challenges relating to the base in various international courts and tribunals, threatening its long-term, secure operation. That is why we continue to work closely with the US and with Mauritius to find a way forward that is in the UK's best interests, and that continues to protect our national security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The stance on the decision was not clearly stated.

How: Our Priority Has Always Been Clear

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