Charlie Stayt and Yvette Cooper (Image: BBC BREAKFAST)
Yvette Cooper refused to say if Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he came to the UK in a grilling on Breakfast.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant over alleged war crimes by the Israeli leader.
But insisted it is “not a matter for her” when repeatedly asked if Mr Netanyahu would be arrested if he came to Britain.
She said: “That’s not a matter for the Home Secretary. The ICC is obviously independent, we respect its independence and its role.
“In the vast majority of ICC cases they never become a matter for the UK legal processes or law enforcement or the UK Government.
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“In the event that any ICC investigation does become a matter for the UK then there is a proper process that needs to be followed…”
Host interrupted Ms Cooper as she said: “Let me just finish this sentence.”
Pressing her to answer the question, she went on: “The reason that the process is important is that in the event that the small number of cases that might become a matter for the UK, which as I said is rare, if it does there is a proper legal process and government process that has to be followed.
“That’s why it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment as the Home Secretary on speculative cases.
“I do understand why you’re asking the question and these questions are important but it’s also important for me as Home Secretary to respect those processes as well.”
It comes after the ICC yesterday issued arrest warrants for Mr Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.