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International Court of Justice

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 16 September 2025UIN 71051

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his policy is on responding to non-binding rulings of the United Nations International Court of Justice where they relate to the UK.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

While not legally binding, rulings such as the International Court of Justice's advisory opinions carry significant weight and are likely to be highly influential on any subsequent court or tribunal considering the same issues, so the UK will take them into account when formulating relevant policies.

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