Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Rejected
Paragraph: 59
Establish a regular mechanism for coordinating Wagner-linked sanctions with US and EU partners.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government establishes a specific and regular mechanism for coordinating with the United States and the European Union over Wagner- linked sanctions; it should report back to us on what these mechanisms are, and how frequently and effectively they are being used.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejects the recommendation, stating that strong coordination mechanisms are already in place with the EU and US, including frequent working-level engagement, a quarterly bilateral format with the EU, and a newly established UK-U.S. Strategic Sanctions Dialogue.
Paragraph Reference:
59
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Disagree. 16. The Government recognises the importance of close coordination with the EU and US to maximise the effectiveness of UK sanctions but strong coordination mechanisms are already in place. Since President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, we have ensured the close alignment of UK, US and EU sanctions policy. This increases the impact of our sanctions. 17. We have frequent working level engagement both between capitals, and through our dedicated sanctions attachés networks in our posts in Washington and Brussels, regarding all aspects of sanctions. In addition, we have established a quarterly bilateral format on sanctions with the EU to promote cooperation and coordination and set forward strategy. Similarly, we have recently established a UK-U.S. Strategic Sanctions Dialogue. On 19 July, senior UK sanctions officials attended the inaugural dialogue hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC. Departments and agencies discussed priorities across geographic and thematic sanctions regimes, including Wagner. 18. As these mechanisms already enable close co-ordination on Wagner, we do not judge there to be a need for a further mechanism. We will, however, keep the option of a specific mechanism for Wagner under review.