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Written question asked by Andy McDonald (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2026. It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of existing prosecutorial guidance relating to offences under the International Criminal Court Act 2001 allegedly committed overseas by UK nationals or dual nationals.

Answer

The UK has always recognised the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality. But as with any conflict, anyone who travels overseas to fight, or to assist others engaged in conflict, may commit offences under UK law if they fail to act consistently with applicable international law, and could face investigation and prosecution on their return to the UK.

Those are decisions for the operationally-independent police and Crown Prosecution Service to take, based on the evidence in each individual case. Anyone who has evidence of a British national engaging in illegal activity should submit it to the Met Police, including any violations of the rights of children under International Humanitarian Law, of the kind alleged in the UN report to which the Hon Member refers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14341
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British nationals abroad Occupied territories Israel Defense Forces
Legislation
International Criminal Court Act 2001
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk