Britain has joined seven other countries in opposing the Trump administration's sanctions against the International Criminal Court, in a joint statement published on Friday 9 October.
The UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said they “regret and strongly disagree” with the American announcement.
Eight governments back the court
The declaration, published by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, reaffirmed support for the tribunal's independence and impartiality. The governments warned of significant consequences for its work, employees and their families, and pledged to help it continue operating.
The statement commits the countries to dialogue with states outside the court's founding treaty ahead of December's Assembly of States Parties. It does not announce British retaliatory sanctions against Washington.
Sanctions target the institution itself
In its own statement on 9 October, the ICC said the United States had sanctioned the court as an institution, following earlier measures against 13 judges and prosecutors.
The court described the move as an attempt to obstruct justice. ICC president Tomoko Akane said it would continue its mandate independently, based on law and evidence. It urged member countries to ensure it retained the resources needed to operate.
The treaty-based tribunal investigates and prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
Washington's position
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures would prohibit transactions with the ICC and restrict its resources, according to ITV News.
The US administration has criticised investigations involving American troops in Afghanistan and the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the court; both reject its jurisdiction over their citizens.