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International Special Tribunal: Ukraine — [Clive Efford in the Chair]

03 September 2024

Lead MP

Richard Foord
Honiton and Sidmouth
Lib Dem

Responding Minister

Anneliese Dodds

Tags

ImmigrationUkraine
Word Count: 9281
Other Contributors: 8

At a Glance

Richard Foord raised concerns about international special tribunal: ukraine — [clive efford in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Mr Foord asks for the UK Government's stance on whether personal immunities should be disapplied in the context of creating an international special tribunal for Ukraine and calls for any contribution from Members regarding this issue.

How the Debate Unfolded

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

Lead Contributor

Honiton and Sidmouth
Opened the debate
Mr Foord is concerned about the ongoing issue of personal immunities for leaders involved in the crime of aggression, particularly focusing on President Putin's immunity. He highlights that an original decision by Russia to invade Ukraine led to other international crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Mr Foord also emphasizes the importance of having a tribunal with significant international components to disapply relevant immunities.

Government Response

Anneliese Dodds
Government Response
The UK Government is committed to ensuring accountability for Russia's actions in Ukraine, leading efforts to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and providing £2.3 million additional contributions to the court since the start of the war. The ICC prosecutor has issued arrest warrants for President Putin and others for unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. UK support includes establishing an atrocity crimes advisory group with EU and US, funding £6.2 million, deploying former ICC judge Sir Howard Morrison KC who has overseen war crimes training to 294 judges, prosecutors, and investigators. The Government supports the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine, continues to work in international fora like the core group looking at special tribunal proposals, and engages in discussions about Head of State immunity.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.