Post-Brexit sanctions law will hit terror group finances
New laws giving the UK beefed up powers to impose its own sanctions against terror groups after Brexit are to be introduced by the Government.
Although modelled on existing EU sanctions, the new Sanctions Bill will make it easier to cut off funding, freeze assets and block access to bank accounts.
At present, the Government must "reasonably believe" a person is or has been involved in terrorism and that freezing their assets is necessary to protect the public.
But under the new plans, ministers would only need to have "reasonable grounds" to suspect a person or group is or has been involved in terrorism and that sanctions are an "appropriate action".
The Government says the legislation will enable post-Brexit Britain to continue to play a central role in global sanctions to combat the threats of terrorism, conflict and nuclear weapons.
"The new Sanctions Bill will ensure that when the UK leaves the EU, we retain the ability to impose, update and lift sanctions regimes, both to comply with our international obligations and in pursuit of our foreign policy and national security objectives," said Europe Minister Sir Alan Duncan.
"This will enable us to impose sanctions as appropriate either alone or with partners in the EU and around the world, to take targeted action against countries, organisations and individuals who contravene international law, commit or finance terrorism or threaten international peace and security."
Sir Alan told Sky News that the new system would allow for "many safeguards" against the "reasonable grounds" principle.
"There has to be evidence, there are also proper processes for people challenging this," he said.
"So it's a proper process which has checks and balances between our wishing to impose sanctions and companies or individuals challenging that."
At the moment, the UK is involved in over 30 sanctions regimes, including those against Russia, North Korea, Iran, ISIS and al Qaeda.
Currently the UK takes part in non-UN sanctions through EU laws, but the Sanctions Bill will repatriate powers on non-UN sanctions from Brussels.
The new legislation will make it easier to stop a suspected terrorist making money from their assets, such as selling their house or car, by freezing their bank account.
"These new powers will help us keep the British public safer from terrorist attacks by keeping money out of the hands of those wishing to cause us harm," said treasury minister Stephen Barclay.
"Our counter terrorist financing proposals will make it easier for law enforcement and government to impose sanctions on those that present a threat to our national or international security."
Source http://news.sky.com/story/post-brexit-sanctions-law-will-hit-terror-group-finances-10970330
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