International Criminal Court: US Sanctions

Lord Farmer Excerpts

Tuesday 11th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

My Lords, as my noble friend is very much aware, successive UK and US Administrations have taken a different view on the ICC. For example, the UK, as she rightly points out, is a signatory to the Rome statute; the US is not. The UK supports fully the independence of the ICC and we do not support sanctioning individual court officials. Our focus remains on ensuring that the ceasefire can be sustained, that a surge of vital aid can reach those most in need in Gaza and that all remaining hostages are released and reunited with their families. That is our goal, we are working with the US at all levels on it, and we will continue to do so.

[Lord Farmer (Con)]

My Lords, Israel’s judicial system is actively investigating cases of suspected misconduct by Israeli soldiers and petitions on humanitarian issues in Gaza. The ICC chief prosecutor recognised in December 2023 that the military receives independent legal advice on the legality of every air strike. The ICC complements, rather than replaces, national criminal systems, prosecuting cases only when states are unwilling or unable to do so. So, it had no authority to intervene here. Does the Minister agree with that?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Of course, I agree that where states fail to properly investigate, the ICC has a right to step in. In this case, as the noble Lord pointed out, Israel has undertaken a due and proper investigation, so I agree with the noble Lord in that particular case.