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International Court of Justice

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 19354

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance he has issued to Government departments on the impact of advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice on policy decisions.

Answered by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

There is no general guidance issued to Government departments on the impact of advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice on policy decisions.

Advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice are not legally binding. The Government considers advisory opinions on a case-by-case basis and takes them into account where relevant to the formulation of policy.

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