Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism

Raises concern over the delay in proscribing Wagner Group, questioning why it took so long despite evidence available since 2021 and early 2022.

Announces the result of a deferred Division on the draft Windsor Framework (Enforcement etc.) Regulations 2023, stating that the Ayes were 434 and the Noes were 10.

Thanked the Home Secretary for her remarks and paid tribute to those who serve in intelligence, security services, Government, and police. He noted that the Terrorism Act 2000 amendment aims to criminalise involvement with Wagner Group, similar to how Islamic State and al-Qaeda are treated. Jarvis supported the proscription but questioned whether action could have been taken sooner given support from across the House for this measure since February. Labour called for a bespoke mechanism for state-sponsored threats as proposed in Contest strategy update. He raised concerns about sanctions applied to Wagner-linked individuals and entities, urging closer scrutiny of those identified by the Foreign Affairs Committee and steps against potential break-up scenarios. Jarvis also questioned how UK property purchases linked to Russians accused of corruption might facilitate Wagner’s activities.

Supported proscribing Wagner Group but questioned why the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran was not being similarly proscribed alongside Wagner. Cited MI5's acknowledgment of IRGC threats to UK and its role in hostage-taking affecting British nationals abroad, including dual nationals. Criticised the lack of linkage between Wagner and IRGC despite clear evidence of IRGC involvement in drone production used by Russia against Ukraine, arguing this supports Iran’s export bureau for terrorism.

I agree with the right hon. Member for North Somerset that the proscription of the IRGC is necessary and I am concerned about the delay in taking action against Wagner Group, a murderous organisation founded in 2014 and operating in various theatres such as Ukraine, Syria, and Africa. The Home Secretary's decision to proscribe the group is welcome but comes too late given the extensive catalogue of chaos and destruction it has caused over nine years. I request answers from the Home Secretary on why this action was not taken sooner and when President Zelensky first requested the Government to treat Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation. Additionally, there are concerns about the UK’s role in financial laundering for such organisations; will the legislation ensure that we know who owns and benefits from various types of financial structures? The UK should do more to prevent the sons, daughters, relatives, and associates of Wagner members from moving money through accounts here in the UK.

Welcomes the Government’s decision to proscribe Wagner Group but criticises the delay. Emphasises that Wagner has been a terrorist organisation for years, advocating for earlier action could have prevented more destruction in Africa. Requests updates on support provided to African partners and calls for tightening money laundering regulations to close existing loopholes. Raises concerns about sanctions evasion by Yevgeny Prigozhin and questions the transparency of golden visa reviews linked to Kremlin-linked oligarchs. Urges the Home Secretary to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran as well.

The UK has been working intensively to build an international consensus on the proscription of Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation. The Government acknowledges concerns raised by Members and is committed to continuing work with allies, implementing sanctions, supporting Ukraine militarily, and engaging diplomatically to support fragile states.

Agrees that the UK should lead in proscribing Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation. Asks if specific conversations have been held with counterparts and EU regarding this matter, and whether the Home Secretary will discuss it further with the European Union.

Raises concerns about the impact of the EU’s nutrient neutrality rules on house building in his constituency. Over 2,500 homes have been blocked due to these regulations and hundreds of jobs are at risk. Requests a Minister to come forward to address this issue.

Acknowledges the concerns raised by Mark Jenkinson about the impact of EU nutrient neutrality rules on house building in his constituency and suggests that Members on both Front Benches will treat the matter with respect.