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Sanctions are crucial for supporting the rules-based international system. The UK has led efforts in sanctioning regimes like Syria and Iran, and more recently China and Russia. OTSI was established to bolster trade sanctions enforcement but there is a need for clearer changes to the sanctions implementation framework. Morton seeks clarity on specific measures to deter evasion and timelines for publishing an enforcement strategy. She also raises concerns about the independence of UK's sanctions regime post-Brexit.
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The shadow minister emphasised the need for more parliamentary engagement on sanctions policy to ensure collective knowledge and better enforcement. She expressed concern over insufficient investigations of potential breaches, particularly by British companies.
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Liberal Democrat spokesperson Calum Miller welcomed the cross-party consensus on effective sanctions regimes but highlighted issues with coherence and consistency in application across different agencies. He questioned the Government's approach to lifting sanctions on Syria.
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The Minister defended the government's approach to sanctions, emphasising that they are robustly enforced and regularly reviewed. He noted specific actions against individuals in Georgia, Hong Kong, and Israel but declined to comment on future designations.
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Acknowledged the concerns raised about Syria and reiterated that sanctions remain in place for those responsible for atrocities under the Assad regime. He assured the House that new financial and economic activity aligned with peace and stability will be closely monitored.
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Asked if the UK should impose fresh sanctions on Israeli Ministers due to Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, which poses a threat of starvation and forced displacement. She questioned whether the UK is upholding its responsibility to protect.
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Responded by acknowledging the severity of the situation and stating that sanctions are under review, with concrete action being taken such as restoring UNRWA funding, suspending export licences, and providing humanitarian assistance.
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Asked if the UK should ramp up economic pressure on Russia now rather than waiting for potential American action. He noted that President Putin is not serious about peace while President Zelensky of Ukraine is.
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Replied affirmatively, stating that sanctions are being ramped up through the introduction of new measures targeting Russia's military-industrial complex and enforcement actions against shadow fleet vessels.
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Asked about the formulation of evidence for thresholds to apply sanctions equally, especially in light of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians which is pushing people into starvation and famine. She sought reassurance on equality.
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Emphasised the principles behind sanctions action: deterrence, disruption, and demonstrating values. He noted specific actions taken regarding extreme settler violence and stated that the government remains seized of the situation in Gaza.
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Commented on the enforcement of sanctions, highlighting the profitability for financial institutions to avoid them. He asked about successful prosecutions and their costs since the government came to office.
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Responded by citing examples of settlements issued against UK companies that have breached Russia trade sanctions, including a £1 million settlement in August 2023, indicating that avoiding sanctions does not pay.
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Inquired about working with British overseas territories to introduce registers of beneficial ownership and ensure robust enforcement across the UK family, particularly focusing on secretive havens like the British Virgin Islands.
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Asked whether the UK has advocated for reducing the G7 oil price cap on Russian oil, given that recent crude oil prices have dropped below $60 per barrel.
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Asked if further sanctions should be imposed on regional, federal, military and legal enforcement agencies involved in the mass abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia, and whether UK sanctions should align with those of the US and EU.
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Inquired about measures being taken to ensure that UK-based businesses are kept up-to-date as the sanctions regime becomes more complex.
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Called for sanctions against Israeli Ministers such as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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Asked why similar sanctions have not been imposed on senior members of the Israeli Government for violations similar to those that led to sanctions against Syria, and what actions the UK has taken in compliance with the International Court of Justice advisory opinion.
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Asked about conversations had regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to support those fighting Russian aggression in Ukraine.
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Inquired about measures being taken against UK citizens who may be enabling the circumvention of sanctions on Russian assets through estate agents and property management companies.
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Asked for an update on when sanctions will take effect against those involved in smuggling gangs and irregular migration, and commented on their effectiveness.
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Delighted that residents of Harlow support the enforcement measures. Provided examples of assets detained under Russian sanctions regulations, including one helicopter, two private jets and one super-yacht worth over £80 million. Emphasised seriousness of Government's approach towards enforcing sanctions.
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Raised concerns about recent cases of polio found in conflict zones, highlighting the importance of tackling breaches of UK-imposed sanctions for her constituents.