Every parliamentary written question tabled by Sorcha Eastwood this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–10 of 10 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she plans to take in response to the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory's report entitled Legal analysis of the conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, published on 16 September 2025.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 September to question 72500.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory's report entitled Legal analysis of the conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, published on 16 September 2025.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 September to question 72500.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the extent to which the ICJ's Preliminary Measures to prevent genocide in Gaza have been implemented.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently considering a case brought under the genocide convention in relation to Gaza. Pending its final decision on the merits of the case, the ICJ has issued provisional measures. The UK has been clear that Israel has an obligation to implement these measures as a matter of international law. It is the UK Government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, not for Governments or non-judicial bodies. The UK fully respects the independence of the ICJ and supports its work in this regard, including in assessing whether its Orders have been complied with.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many requests his Department has made of the Mass Atrocity Prevention Hub to make an assessment of the risk of genocide being committed in Gaza.
It is the UK Government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies. The International Court of Justice case on genocide is ongoing, and we support the independence of the court. Our approach to genocide determination does not prevent us from taking action to call out and seek to address risks of atrocities. We have been clear that we strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's operations in Gaza, that Israel must do much more to protect civilians, that Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change and that Israel must immediately lift its block on aid. Ministers have raised these issues with Israeli government counterparts, and we have made our position clear through joint statements with partners. On 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of whether the delivery of aid to Gaza compiles with the UNHCR's Humanitarian principles, as endorsed UN General Assembly resolutions 46/182 and 58/114; and whether he has made representations to his international counterparts that such aid is delivered only through (a) UN and (b) international humanitarian agencies.
As I told the House on 14 May, Israel's denial of aid is appalling. Israel must lift the block on aid entering Gaza now and enable the UN and all humanitarians to save lives. In our statement to the UN Security Council on 13 May, we made clear that the UK will not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk. Humanitarian partners such as the UN and humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisations must be allowed to operate in line with their principles. Baroness Chapman met with the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 12 May where she reiterated our support for the organisation and its critical role in delivering desperately needed aid and services to Palestinians.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled Summary of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) process, decision and the factors taken into account, published on 2 September 2024, and the Export Control Act 2002 and the Export Control Order 2008, if he will undertake a further review of whether Israel is complying with International Humanitarian Law.
Our International Humanitarian Law (IHL) assessments continue to assess Israel's compliance and commitment to IHL. Since the 2 September 2024 announcement, subsequent assessments continue to find possible breaches of IHL in the areas of humanitarian access and in the treatment of detainees. The suspension of export licences therefore remains in place.We are appalled by civilian casualties in Gaza and urgently call for an immediate return to a ceasefire. All parties must re-engage with negotiations to get hostages out, surge aid, and secure a permanent end to this conflict.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help support a transitional justice process in Syria.
Throughout our engagement with the interim authorities and our international partners, we have maintained that a clear path towards transitional justice will be an essential element for the success of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition. Our programming directly supports grassroots organisations working on gender-sensitive and victim-centred approaches to transitional justice, as well as documenting crucial evidence. We also support the operations of United Nations bodies, such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, working with Syrians to achieve their aspirations for justice and accountability.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his UN counterparts on the potential merits of creating a UN Convention on the rights of older persons.
The UK Government is committed to equality and opportunity for all, with a particular focus on those most likely to be marginalised and discriminated against, including on the grounds of their age. We are open in principle to the idea of a multilateral instrument dedicated to the human rights of older people and will continue to play a constructive role in discussions on this issue at the UN and other relevant fora. UK officials continue to discuss the issue with international counterparts.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of suspending all arms sales to Israel.
On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary commissioned a thorough review into Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), given the grave concerns about the conduct and consequences of the war in Gaza for civilians. The Strategic Export Licensing Criteria state that the Government will not issue or maintain export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. Given the conclusions of the review, on 2 September the Government suspended export licences to Israel, effectively covering all arms exports for use in the current conflict in Gaza, exempting components for F-35 aircraft which, for reasons outlined in the Foreign Secretary's Statement and the Business and Trade Secretary's Written Ministerial Statement, have been excluded from the suspension.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has taken recent steps to meet the duties set out in the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion entitled Legal Consequences Arising From The Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem, published on 19 July 2024.
The UK does not disagree with the central findings of the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on the 'Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem'. We are of the clear view that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as rapidly as possible - but we are also clear that every effort must be made to create the conditions for negotiations towards a two-state solution. Our commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.