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Patrick Butchard

The UK’s new judge at the International Court of Justice

Thursday, 05 November, 2026

A UK judge has been elected to the International Court of Justice for the first time since 2018. This briefing outlines the results and the election of the UK's candidate for 2027-2036, Prof Dapo Akande.

  • Research Briefing
  • International law
  • International organisations
The UK’s new judge at the International Court of Justice

International Law and the Chagos Archipelago

Thursday, 08 October, 2026

This briefing revisits the main international legal issues leading to the 2025 UK-Mauritius agreement on sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

  • Research Briefing
  • International law
  • Overseas territories
International Law and the Chagos Archipelago

UN at 80: UK Missions to the United Nations

Thursday, 10 September, 2026

As the United Nation's 80th year draws to a close, this briefing highlights the work of the UK Missions to the United Nations

  • Research Briefing
  • Institutions
  • International law
  • International organisations
UN at 80: UK Missions to the United Nations
  • Research Briefing

    UN at 80: The General Assembly

    Thursday, 16 July, 2026

    As the 80th year of the United Nations draws to a close, this briefing looks at the work and powers of the General Assembly.

    • Research Briefing
    • International law
    • International organisations
  • Research Briefing

    Seizing the shadow fleet

    Thursday, 18 June, 2026

    The UK has started to intercept sanctioned ships. This briefing explains the domestic and international rules that apply to enforcing sanctions at sea.

    • Research Briefing
    • Armed forces
    • International law
    • Transport
  • Research Briefing

    Israel/US-Iran conflict 2026: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz

    Monday, 08 June, 2026

    What diplomatic efforts are being made to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a major trade route for oil, gas and other supplies?

    • Research Briefing
    • Economy
    • Middle East
  • Research Briefing

    The obligation to prevent genocide

    Tuesday, 03 February, 2026

    This briefing sets out the international and UK law on genocide and discusses recent cases on this issue. There will be a general debate on obligation to assess the risk of genocide under international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Commons chamber on Thursday 5 February 2026.

    • Research Briefing
    • International law
  • Research Briefing

    Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law

    Thursday, 04 December, 2025

    Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the rules that might apply to territorial issues after a conflict.

    • Research Briefing
    • Europe
    • International law
  • Research Briefing

    UNESCO at 80

    Friday, 14 November, 2025

    UNESCO is a UN Agency that has been operating for 80 years. This briefing outlines UNESCO, its functions, and recent challenges.

    • Research Briefing
    • International law
    • International organisations
  • Research Briefing

    UN at 80: Funding challenges at the United Nations

    Thursday, 30 October, 2025

    As the UN turns 80, it faces a growing funding crisis. This briefing sets out how the UN is funded, the main causes of the UN's cash crisis, and the main initiatives to address these.

    • Research Briefing
    • International law
    • International organisations
  • Research Briefing

    The United Nations at 80: Paper Series

    Wednesday, 29 October, 2025

    The UN's 80th year draws to a close. This series of briefings takes stock of the UN's progress and challenges ahead.

    • Research Briefing
    • Economy
    • Institutions
    • International development
    • International law
    • International organisations
  • Research Briefing

    Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill (2024–25)

    Tuesday, 14 October, 2025

    The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill (2024–25) was introduced to Parliament in September 2025 and is scheduled for second reading on 16 October 2025.

    • Research Briefing
    • Environment
    • International law
    • International organisations
  • Research Briefing

    The UK Sanctions Framework

    Thursday, 02 October, 2025

    The UK sanctions framework is a significant set of powers to sanction individuals, businesses, and states. This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK.

    • Research Briefing
    • Finance
    • Institutions
    • International law
    • International organisations
    • International trade
  • Debate Pack

    International Day of Democracy 2025

    Thursday, 11 September, 2025

    A Westminster Hall debate on the International Day of Democracy will take place on Tuesday 16 September 2025, from 9:30am to 11:00am. The debate was scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee and will be led by Rachel Blake MP.

    • Debate Pack
    • Institutions
    • International law
  • Research Briefing

    Developments in Ukraine peace talks (April to June 2025)

    Monday, 09 June, 2025

    What are the latest developments in talks over a potential peace settlement in Ukraine?

    • Research Briefing
    • Americas
    • EU institutions
    • Europe
    • Institutions
    • International law
    • International organisations
    • The EU

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