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Genocide Convention: UK Compliance
17 June 2025
Lead MP
Ellie Chowns
North Herefordshire
Green
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 4653
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Ellie Chowns raised concerns about genocide convention: uk compliance in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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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.