A Bill to provide for the High Court of England and Wales to make a preliminary finding on cases of alleged genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes; and for the subsequent referral of such findings to the International Criminal Court or a special tribunal
House of Lords
5 May 2021
This bill would allow the High Court of England and Wales to issue a preliminary finding on allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. If such a finding is made, it could be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) or to a dedicated special tribunal for further action, creating a formal route for UK cases to feed into international justice processes.
The bill is currently at the Second Reading in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it would move through further stages (e.g., committee and report stages) and then to the other House for consideration.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 5 February. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
