Climate Change: Compensation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the International Court of Justice's Climate Change advisory opinion of July 2025, whether he plans to pay reparations on climate change.
Answered by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The UK supported the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) proceedings on climate change and the subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolution responding to it, particularly their emphasis on international cooperation and the central role of the Paris Agreement. While neither the ICJ Advisory Opinion nor the resolution is legally binding, we welcome their contribution to international discussion on climate action.
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. The ICJ's Opinion does not challenge this position, nor make findings on individual State responsibility.
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