7th Report - Transnational repression in the UK

The government states that policing is actively building increased systems to collate and analyse data from public reporting to inform strategic and operational response, policy development, and threat assessments, aligning with the recommendation.

The government did not commit to introducing a new voluntary mechanism for British Nationals to notify the FCDO of travel to high-risk countries. Instead, it highlighted existing INTERPOL processes, FCDO consular assistance, travel advice, and guidance already available to individuals.

The government states that immigration staff already receive extensive guidance on Red Notices and processes are kept under review. It also indicates that Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) can include transnational repression but do not cover case-specific Red Notices, stating relevant information may be considered within existing frameworks.

The government acknowledged the recommendation but indicated that it already keeps its sanctions framework under review and can impose sanctions for state-directed crimes, including those amounting to TNR, providing examples of past designations.

The government accepts the recommendation, committing to working with international partners to raise awareness of transnational repression (TNR) and strengthen collaboration, citing recent multilateral meetings, supporting the G7 statement on TNR, and enhancing information sharing through the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism.

The government accepted the recommendation, committing to strengthen international collaboration with G7 partners, including Canada, on countering TNR. It will deliver initiatives such as enhancing information sharing through a TNR Resilience and Response Framework in the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism.

The government agrees with the need for structured coordination to counter transnational repression (TNR) and highlights the existing Defending Democracy Taskforce as coordinating the whole-of-government response, with the Home Office owning the overall UK response, implying that existing mechanisms achieve the recommended coordination without needing a new unit or dedicated lead.

The government accepted the committee's welcome of its broad description of TNR, affirming its agreement with the principle that the definition should capture all victims regardless of background.

The government acknowledges the issue of politically motivated INTERPOL Red Notices and states that immigration decision-makers already receive extensive guidance on handling them, with processes kept under review. It clarifies that Country Policy and Information Notes do not cover case-specific Red Notices but assess country conditions.

The government states it already recognises TNR as a threat to national security, human rights, and democracy, and deploys diplomatic measures, including sanctions. It will consider including TNR in a future Annual Human Rights and Democracy Report and referencing it in the updated Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) guidance as part of a review.

The government accepted the committee's conclusion regarding the need for more structured coordination on TNR across government. It stated that a dedicated team has been established within the Home Office to act as the central point of coordination for the UK's overarching TNR strategy.