Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

David Duguid Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd March 2022

(2 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Whittingdale Portrait Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)
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8. What steps his Department is taking to support an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

David Duguid Portrait David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) (Con)
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11. What steps his Department is taking to support an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

David Johnston Portrait David Johnston (Wantage) (Con)
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14. What steps his Department is taking to support an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

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Dominic Raab Portrait Dominic Raab
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My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am always careful to allow the ICC, of which both the prosecutor and the chambers of the Court are independent, to make those determinations, but the points of principle that he has set out are absolutely right. There must be no impunity for those in Moscow or the commanders on the ground who commit those atrocities.

David Duguid Portrait David Duguid
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Can my right hon. Friend outline to the House what steps the Government have taken to build the broadest caucus of support for prosecuting President Putin and his regime over their actions in Ukraine? Will he join me in applauding the role of the British ICC judge and British prosecutor in their work on the issue?

Dominic Raab Portrait Dominic Raab
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My hon. Friend is right. We secured the election of Karim Khan and Jo Korner. They operate independently on the Court but it is a sign of how well regarded this country’s legal profession is that we have two such senior figures there, as well as the registrar. Again, they operate independently, but we are working with the Ukrainian authorities, led by the Attorney General. I am also going back to The Hague to ensure that we understand the specific needs of the ICC, not just to provide support ourselves but to ensure that we bring together a coalition of countries with that unique expertise so that justice can be done.