Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch has voiced strong opposition to a recent advisory ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on member countries' climate change obligations, warning that it could lead to Britain's bankruptcy.
Badenoch stated that the ruling, if allowed to stand, would prevent the exploitation of natural resources in the North Sea and could obligate Britain to pay trillions of pounds in reparations to developing countries for historical carbon emissions.
"Make no mistake - if this climate ruling is allowed to stand, Britain will be bankrupt," Badenoch asserted, emphasizing that energy security is intrinsically linked to economic and national security, a point underscored by recent global conflicts.
She expressed conviction that Britain must prioritize drilling for oil and gas. Citing a report by the think-tank Policy Exchange, Badenoch noted that the ICJ's ruling could open the door to legal claims against Britain and reshape domestic energy policy without parliamentary approval.
Badenoch characterized the ICJ's actions as a form of legal activism, where international courts and tribunals increasingly invent new obligations for sovereign governments. She drew a parallel to a 2024 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that cited Switzerland's climate targets as endangering its population. Badenoch also pointed to the ICJ's advisory opinion on the Chagos Islands, which she claims led the Labour government to pledge £35 billion for territory it already controls.
"This just shows how activists use advisory rulings as a political weapon and lawyers use them to challenge decisions made by elected governments," she said.
Badenoch argued that Britain is in an exposed position as the only permanent member of the UN Security Council still accepting the ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction, a stance not shared by France or the United States. She indicated that she has asked her Shadow Attorney General to examine whether changes are needed to Britain's arrangements with the court.
"Britain should honour our global commitments. But we should never allow international institutions to rewrite them. Our national interest and democracy must come first. We must not be naive," Badenoch stated. She added that decisions about Britain's future should be made by those accountable to the British people.
Badenoch called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reassure the nation that advisory opinions will not compromise the commitment to North Sea drilling and to dismiss individuals within the Labour party who prioritize international legalism over national interest. She specifically mentioned Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and others involved in the Chagos Islands decision.