has made a submission in response to the UK Government Consultation on whether the United Kingdom should ratify the Hague Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (Hague 2019).

A copy of Dr Yekini’s submission can be downloaded . 

Professor Iain GM Scobbie, Co-Director of the 91ֱ�� International Law Centre, has written to Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, concerning any review of the location of the United Kingdom Embassy in Israel.

In September 2022, then Prime Minister Liz Truss reportedly indicated to the Israeli Prime Minister that the UK would ‘review’ the location of the UK Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Such a move would recognise Israel’s claim that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.

Professor Scobbie has noted that ‘there is nothing to review’ after concluding that such a move of the UK embassy would mean that ‘United Kingdom in a breach of its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to which it is a party, as is Israel.’

The letter has been signed by 27 international law experts. A copy of the letter can be downloaded .

We are gravely concerned by Russia’s use of armed force against Ukraine which constitutes a serious breach of international law. We deplore the continuing and manifest violations of the Charter of the United Nations, including the prohibition of annexation and colonization, as well violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Those states assisting Russia in its war of aggression are complicit in the unlawful actions and bear responsibility for their wrongful aid and assistance in the commission of such actions. 

Those individuals perpetrating a crime of aggression must also face criminal prosecution according to the applicable rules of international criminal law. 

None of the exceptions to the prohibition to the use of force recognised in the United Nations Charter and by international law are applicable in the current circumstances. We accordingly condemn any and all attempts to take advantage of such exceptions, including the right of self-defence. The purported claim that Russia is responding to genocide is without discernable foundation as it is nothing more than a smokescreen for its serious violations of international law. 

We condemn all ongoing violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Civilians are protected under international law and should never be targeted. There must be guaranteed access for humanitarian actors. 

We are appalled by the racialised discourses and narratives of civilisational superiority. We condemn all acts of discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion or social origin.

We recall that, under international law, all states have a duty to cooperate to bring to an end through lawful means the serious breaches of international law committed by Russia and the states aiding and assisting it.

This statement is without prejudice of our equally strong condemnation of the serious breaches of international law witnessed in other conflicts in the world.

The non-profit campaign was co-founded by Liam Allan, who was falsely accused of rape and exonerated after it was revealed during the court case the police had failed to disclose vital evidence proving innocence. The campaign is also co-founded by Annie Brodie-Akers, a University of Sheffield law student and the President and Chair of the Miscarriage of Justice Awareness Society. The campaign hopes to break down the barriers between victims of miscarriages of justice and those who can change and influence the law. The founders believe that the UK’s criminal justice system needs repair and reform, and aims to campaign in solidarity with people who don't currently have a voice and bring it to the forefront of the government’s mind.

The conference covered a range of topics including issues facing the legal profession, disclosure failings, false allegations and wrongful convictions. Many people who have faced these issues spoke at the event, including Eddie Gilfoyle - who was released in 2010 after being sentenced to 18 years for the murder of his pregnant wife – and Michael O’Brien, one of the wrongfully convicted Cardiff Three, who detailed his struggles in prison and after his release.

Mark George QC also spoke about the increasing number of people unable to appoint a lawyer because of changes to legal aid, and described this as ‘simply unacceptable’.

Liam Allan, the 22-year-old student who was wrongfully charged with 12 counts of rape and sexual assault last year, was also at the conference. His barrister Julia Smart outlined the extraordinary failings of the police and the prosecuting authorities in his case. She spoke of finding herself on the week of his trial with all of the material required to prove beyond a doubt that he was a wholly innocent man, but this had not been previously disclosed to the defence. Liam closed the day with a positive speech about the conference, hope, and achieving the seemingly impossible.

“The School of Law and the Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre are so proud and excited to be hosting the first conference,” said Professor Claire McGourlay from The University of Manchester. “We have all worked incredibly hard to pull it all together, and behind this enthusiasm and dedication is a belief that our criminal justice system needs reform and investment.”

“Our justice system is in crisis and has been for a long time. The public and politicians need to listen and lead change before yet more innocent people end up in prison or suffer what Liam and many offers have.”

“The team behind Innovation of Justice cannot thank The University of Manchester’s School of Law enough for helping us with our first event,” said Annie Brodie-Akers. “Their commitment and dedication to the project is what has made it as successful as it is now. We are proud to host this first event with 91ֱ��, and wish to say a special thanks to them for assisting us in this journey for the past few months.”