Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Genocide Convention: UK Compliance

17 June 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,653 words

Opened by Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire

Responding minister: Mr Hamish Falconer

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ellie Chowns raised concerns about genocide convention: uk compliance in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice arguing that Israel's denial of humanitarian aid to Palestinians could amount to genocide.
  • The ICJ issued an interim response recognizing a plausible risk that Israeli acts could constitute genocide and called for immediate protective measures.
  • The UK Government stated they take their responsibilities under international law, including the genocide convention, seriously and continue to review assessments and take appropriate steps.

Key requests to Government

The UK Government should take action to prevent potential genocide, as per their legal obligation under Article I of the United Nations Genocide Convention.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire

South Africa brought a case before the International Court of Justice arguing that Israel’s denial of humanitarian aid to Palestinians could amount to genocide under the Convention. The ICJ issued an interim response, recognising a plausible risk that Israeli acts could constitute genocide and called for immediate measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza.

Other contributors (5)
  • Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr

    Asked about the British public's confusion regarding the stance that genocide is a matter for a competent court versus statements made in court.

  • Ellie Chowns

    Inquired about banning trade in settlement goods from illegally occupied territories as trade in proceeds of crime.

  • Iqbal Mohamed Ind Dewsbury and Batley

    Asked for a timeline on publishing the UK Government’s assessment of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion.

  • Rachel Gilmour LD Tiverton and Minehead

    Inquired why the Palestinian ambassador was considered an important guest at a service commemorating the Srebrenica genocide.

  • Tom Gordon LD Harrogate and Knaresborough

    Pressed the Minister on universal jurisdiction for the prosecution of genocide regardless of a perpetrator's nationality.

Government Response

Mr Hamish Falconer

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Confirmed that the UK Government takes their responsibilities under international law seriously, including obligations under the genocide convention. Emphasised that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for competent national or international courts rather than Governments. Reiterated that the Government continues to keep assessments under review and take steps equal to the scale of challenges in Gaza.

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