Written question asked by Lord Naseby (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 May 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 May 2024. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Islands: Climate Change

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to following the example set in the Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty by recognising publicly that the formal statehood and sovereignty of small island states will not lapse under international law even in the event of catastrophic sea level rise.

Answer: Sea level rise is a matter of critical concern particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We have taken careful note of the Pacific Islands Forum 2023 Declaration on the continuity of statehood in the face of sea level rise and are considering its content in detail. The UK also welcomes the International Law Commission's ongoing work on these issues. We also continue to work with SIDS to drive global ambition of emissions reductions, and support adaptation and resilience in SIDS including through programmes such as the global £500 million Blue Planet.

Secondary information