Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the publication “Professor Dapo Akande: United Kingdom candidate for the International Court of Justice 2027 to 2036”, updated 17 July 2026, whether Mr Akande has made a declaration of political activity; and whether he appointed as the UK's National Group candidate through open and fair competition.

The independent United Kingdom National Group selected Professor Dapo Akande as the United Kingdom candidate for election to the International Court of Justice following a robust and competitive selection process based on merit which is independent of Government. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates were required to declare any matters that might have a bearing on their suitability for the role and judicial independence. Information provided as part of that process was considered by the independent United Kingdom National Group.

Professor Akande is an independent international lawyer. He does not have any party affiliations, and his advice and academic work has been relied upon by several Attorneys General from both parties throughout his career.