Debates between Hamish Falconer and Oliver Dowden during the 2024 Parliament

Mon 25th Nov 2024

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Arrest Warrants

Debate between Hamish Falconer and Oliver Dowden
Monday 25th November 2024

(3 weeks, 6 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Dowden Portrait Sir Oliver Dowden (Hertsmere) (Con)
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Whatever reservations one may have about the conduct of the conflict in Gaza, there are two fundamental principles: first, Netanyahu is a democratically elected leader of a sovereign state; and secondly, that state is conducting a legitimate war of self-defence. The Minister acknowledges those facts, but does he not appreciate how this ruling is seen by many of my constituents as an affront to those principles?

Hamish Falconer Portrait Hamish Falconer
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I am slightly stumped by the questions from the Opposition. We are signatories to the ICC Act. I think the whole House agrees with the importance of the rule of law. Representations were made to the ICC in the pre-trial chamber, and it has come to its decisions. I think we should respect its independence.