Clause 51 - Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes
International Criminal Court Bill [Lords]
3:45 pm
Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate, Conservative)
We come on to an important debate about the scope of the jurisdiction of the law of England and Wales, as it will be implemented—in effect, a discussion about universal jurisdiction. In the course of the debate, we shall see the colour of the Government's ethical money.
The right hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and I have tabled two different series of amendments that would widen the Bill's scope in respect of people who would fall within its jurisdiction. My amendments are wider than those of the right hon. Gentleman, who will, I am sure, speak to his own amendments. I apologise to him if he finds that some of his foxes have been shot on a field before he is able to rise to speak.
We must consider the development of the Bill in respect of universal jurisdiction in its various stages. Interestingly, the consultation draft of the Bill would have introduced universal jurisdiction for the crime of genocide. Under clause 46 of that draft Bill, jurisdiction is claimed for the United Kingdom in respect of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, across the piece. In the Bill that we are discussing, as it applies to genocide, clause 51, and amendment No. 53—