Summary: Once we have left the EU we will implement the ‘Magnitsky’ provisions of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, so that those responsible human rights abuses are held to account with travel bans and asset freezes.
- Our vision for Global Britain means promoting the values that make this nation great – leading by example as a force for good in the world.
- Once we have left the EU and regained control of our own sanctions rules, this Government will implement the ‘Magnitsky’ provisions of the Sanctions Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
- That means human rights abusers anywhere in the world will face consequences for their actions, as we place visa bans and asset freezes on those individuals deemed responsible for serious human rights abuses. We will ensure that Global Britain is not a safe haven for those who profit from torturing others.
Background
- The legislation came about after a Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, discovered corruption by Russian officials. He was arrested but refused to withdraw his testimony and died in 2009. As a result, a campaign was started to have sanctions imposed on the officials involved.
- Leaving the EU will mean that the UK will have control over our sanctions regime. This follows on from earlier legislation which makes clear that that individuals or entities can be sanctioned for the purposes of deterring, or providing accountability for, gross human rights abuses or violations.
Our solution
- We will introduce legislation which will enable sanctions against those who commit human rights violations or abuses. We will implement the ‘Magnitsky’ provisions of the Sanctions Act with the possibility for travel bans and asset freezes for those who have committed serious human rights abuses.
Conservative record
- We worked to ensure our allies imposed sanctions on those responsible for the Salisbury poisonings. This delivered on our vow to take tough action against the reckless and irresponsible activities of Russian military intelligence, which put innocent British citizens in serious danger in Salisbury.
Q: Why have you only done this now?
This Government is committed to ensuring that those guilty of human rights abuses are brought to justice. Previous amendments to the sanctions regime included proposals that were already provided for in the original legislation. We want to go further than is previously provided for.
