Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026, to Question 19358, on Climate Change: Compensation, what information his Department holds on attempts to use the International Court of Justice to litigate for reparations relating to historic issues from previous centuries.

The UK is a steadfast supporter of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Its handling of complex contentious cases, including those concerning territorial delimitation, immunities and treaty interpretation and its careful approach to jurisdictional matters highlight the importance of procedural integrity and the limits of judicial competence.

The Court's significant role in advisory proceedings can clarify complex legal questions and help the United Nations and its Member States to address global legal challenges. The Court's impartiality, independence and legal rigor are central to maintaining the credibility of the international legal system.

The UK supported the ICJ's proceedings on climate change and the subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolution responding to it. Notwithstanding this support, there are no grounds under domestic or international law for the UK to make reparations to other countries for alleged breaches of climate change obligations.