GOV.UK: Lord Chancellor visits United Nations to promote British candidate to UN court

Posted on October 29, 2026 by michelleclarke2015

Press release

Lord Chancellor visits United Nations to promote British candidate to UN court

The United Kingdom’s candidate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will help strengthen the rule of law in an increasingly unstable world, the Lord Chancellor will tell the United Nations General Assembly later today (Thursday, 29 October).From:Ministry of Justice and The Rt Hon Alex Norris MPPublished:29 October 2026

  • Campaigning on behalf of Professor Dapo Akande to win seat on International Court of Justice
  • Justice Secretary Alex Norris to give speech at UN General Assembly setting out Britain’s commitment to the rule of law and its support for Professor Akande’s candidacy
  • The visit comes ahead of the election on November 3rd

In a speech to UN member states the Lord Chancellor Alex Norris will set out his support for the election of Professor Dapo Akande as a judge to the ICJ.

The ICJ plays a vital role helping states peacefully resolve disputes by law, supporting international stability, and upholding principles on which all states rely.  The UK’s support of the ICJ is part of its commitment to strengthen justice, human rights and the rule of law around the world.

The Lord Chancellor will set out to the UN General Assembly the benefits of having Professor Akande on the court. He will say:

At a moment when international law is under pressure, Professor Akande brings the independence, legal rigour, judgement and breadth of perspective that the Court needs.  

He would make a formidable contribution to its work.

The intervention from the Lord Chancellor and Chris Elmore, the Minister for the UN, comes ahead of a regular election to the court on 3 November. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the ICJ’s inaugural sitting in the aftermath of the Second World War.

During the speech the Justice Secretary will also set out the United Kingdom’s opposition to the sanctions brought against the International Criminal Court. He will say:

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court have distinct jurisdictions and mandates. 

However, the principle at stake is common. Judicial institutions must be able to act independently, impartially and with integrity.  

Attempts to impede their work weaken not only the institutions targeted, but the wider international legal order on which all States rely.

The United Kingdom will continue to support the ICC and uphold the rules-based international system.

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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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