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Sanctions Implementation and Enforcement 2025-05-15
15 May 2025
Lead MP
Stephen Doughty
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineEconomyTaxationTransport
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
Stephen Doughty raised concerns about sanctions implementation and enforcement 2025-05-15 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Sanctions are a powerful tool in the UK's foreign policy and national security strategy. They have been used effectively against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, with over 2,400 sanctions targets and $450 billion dollars denied to Putin's regime. The Government has introduced new measures such as the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) and civil enforcement powers for transport sanctions. OFSI has imposed significant penalties on violators, demonstrating a commitment to rigorous enforcement. The review aims to simplify compliance, increase deterrence through clearer consequences of non-compliance, and enhance robust action against evaders.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
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.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
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.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
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.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
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.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
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.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
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.
Steve Barclay
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
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.
Lloyd Hatton
Lab
South Dorset
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.
Honiton and Sidmouth
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.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
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.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Inquired about measures being taken to ensure that UK-based businesses are kept up-to-date as the sanctions regime becomes more complex.
Glasgow West
Called for sanctions against Israeli Ministers such as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
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.
Calder Valley
Asked about conversations had regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to support those fighting Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Asked for an update on when sanctions will take effect against those involved in smuggling gangs and irregular migration, and commented on their effectiveness.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
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.
Harlow
Raised concerns about recent cases of polio found in conflict zones, highlighting the importance of tackling breaches of UK-imposed sanctions for her constituents.
Government Response
Sanctions are a vital foreign policy tool used to deter threats and support international peace. The Government has introduced over 500 new sanctions since July 2024 against individuals, entities, and ships involved with Russia. Measures include penalties of up to £465,000 for breaches, director role restrictions for designated individuals, and whistleblower protections for workers reporting violations. OTSI was established in October to strengthen trade sanctions enforcement. The minister responded by outlining the key themes of the sanctions review, emphasising the importance of direct engagement between government and industry for compliance. He also addressed specific questions on co-operation with international partners like the EU and US, enforcement resources, and the impact of sanctions against Russia and Iran. Defended the government's approach to sanctions, emphasising robust enforcement, regular review, and taking concrete actions such as restoring UNRWA funding, suspending export licences, and providing humanitarian assistance. He also cited examples of settlements issued against UK companies that have breached Russia trade sanctions. Responded to various questions regarding the efficacy of sanctions on Russian oil prices, further sanctions on entities involved in Ukrainian child abduction, measures to ensure UK businesses comply with complex sanctions regimes, humanitarian responses to Gaza and potential sanctions against Israeli officials, compliance with international court rulings, use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine support, circumvention of sanctions by UK citizens, and sanctions against those facilitating irregular migration. Touched on progress made in enforcing sanctions. Provided examples such as Department for Transport detaining four transport assets under Russian sanctions regulations, including one helicopter, two private jets and one super-yacht worth over £80 million. Highlighted the serious approach of Government across all Departments towards enforcing sanctions.
Shadow Response
Wendy Morton
Shadow Response
Sanctions are essential for upholding international rules. The UK has led efforts against regimes like Syria, Iran, China and Russia. OTSI was established in October to enforce trade sanctions but there is a need for clarity on changes being made. Morton seeks specifics on measures to deter evasion and timelines for publishing an enforcement strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
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