The Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, is due to address the United Nations General Assembly in support of Professor Dapo Akande's candidacy for a seat on the International Court of Justice, according to a government press release published on 29 October 2026, the same day as the planned speech.

The visit, which the release said also involves Chris Elmore, the Minister for the UN, comes ahead of a regular election to the court on 3 November. In remarks released in advance, Norris argues that Akande would bring "independence, legal rigour, judgement and breadth of perspective" to the court at a time when international law is under pressure. The release said the UK's backing for the ICJ forms part of its commitment to justice, human rights and the rule of law.

The statement also said Norris would use the speech to set out UK opposition to sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court. He argues that the ICJ and ICC have distinct jurisdictions and mandates, but that both must be able to act independently and impartially. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the ICJ's inaugural sitting.