Transnational repression in the UK

Human Rights (Joint Committee) Closed Inquiry
Opened: 24 Jan 2025 Closed: 26 Feb 2026 Parliament page
The Committee’s inquiry will explore how transnational repression affects the human rights of people living in the UK. The inquiry will examine the effectiveness of the UK’s current legal and policy frameworks in relation to transnational repression, and the assistance available to the victims of such attacks. Please do not … Read more
20 Recommendations
17 Conclusions
1 Report
Activity timeline 2 events
30 Oct
2025
Report published
30 Jul
2025
Report published
Title HC No. Published Items Response
7th Report - Transnational repression in the UK HC 681 30 Jul 2025 37 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
37 results
1 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We welcome the Government’s decision to describe TNR in broad terms.
We welcome the Government’s decision to describe TNR in broad terms. This approach provides an important opportunity to ensure that all victims of TNR are recognised regardless of ethnicity, nationality or background. (Conclusion, Paragraph 19)
Government Response
1. TNR is a matter of national security and national sovereignty, but also about undermining an individual’s ability to exercise their rights and freedoms. The UK recognises TNR as a … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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2 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
However, we are concerned by the Government’s decision not to adopt a formal definition of...
However, we are concerned by the Government’s decision not to adopt a formal definition of TNR. Whilst we acknowledge the difficulties in adopting a single globally accepted definition, we are not persuaded that the existence of differing national definitions would … Read more
Government Response
1. The Government recognises the importance of robust data and evidence in shaping an effective response to transnational repression (TNR). We are taking active steps to strengthen our understanding of … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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3 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend that the Government adopt a formal definition of transnational repression.
We recommend that the Government adopt a formal definition of transnational repression. This should be developed in consultation with law enforcement, civil society and affected communities. It should include, as core elements, the ‘involvement’ of a foreign state, and the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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4 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
Without clear data on the scale and nature of TNR events in the UK, it...
Without clear data on the scale and nature of TNR events in the UK, it is difficult both to create effective policy responses and to judge the effectiveness of the Government’s new TNR strategy. The Government should ask police forces … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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5 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The evidence we have received indicates that existing UK criminal legislation provides an effective framework...
The evidence we have received indicates that existing UK criminal legislation provides an effective framework for dealing with offences related to TNR. We have not identified any significant gaps in criminal law related to TNR. We agree that the creation … Read more
Government Response
1. The Home Office worked closely with law enforcement partners to prepare for the scheme and clear processes are in place to ensure compliance. The objectives of FIRS are to … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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6 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
However, we recognise the rapidly evolving nature of digital technologies and the increasing sophistication of...
However, we recognise the rapidly evolving nature of digital technologies and the increasing sophistication of methods used to conduct TNR. It is therefore essential that the legal framework remains agile and responsive to evolving threats. We recommend that the Government … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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7 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We welcome the introduction of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) as a tool to...
We welcome the introduction of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) as a tool to help strengthen the UK’s ability to tackle transnational repression. The designation of Iran and Russia as countries listed on the enhanced tier of FIRS is … Read more
Government Response
1. As noted in the response to Recommendation 2, TNR in the UK tends to be targeted and specific. While TNR does not affect large numbers of people across the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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8 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The Government should ensure that TNR is a high priority consideration when deciding which countries...
The Government should ensure that TNR is a high priority consideration when deciding which countries should be specified under the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. Decisions on which countries to specify under the enhanced tier of FIRS … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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9 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The Home Office and relevant enforcement bodies should develop clear guidance on how FIRS data...
The Home Office and relevant enforcement bodies should develop clear guidance on how FIRS data can be used to support investigations into TNR, and regular reviews should be conducted to assess the scheme’s effectiveness in this regard. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34) Read more
Government Response
1. Policing provides the Government with updates on the delivery of awareness and guidance for forces on a quarterly basis. This focuses on the number of officers and staff who … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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10 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are increasingly used as instruments of transnational repression.
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are increasingly used as instruments of transnational repression. These lawsuits are designed to intimidate and silence individuals who expose or criticise the actions of authoritarian regimes. The evidence we have received demonstrates that journalists … Read more
Government Response
1. The Government is committed to ensuring that individuals who believe they may be victims of TNR have access to clear, trusted, and effective mechanisms for reporting concerns and receiving … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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11 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
In response to this report, the Government should provide this Committee with a clear timeline...
In response to this report, the Government should provide this Committee with a clear timeline in which it plans to review the effectiveness of the SLAPPs provisions in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The Government should also … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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12 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend that the Government develop and implement a proactive outreach strategy aimed at individuals...
We recommend that the Government develop and implement a proactive outreach strategy aimed at individuals and communities likely to be at high risk of TNR. This strategy should be developed within 12 months and include clear timelines for how engagement … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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13 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We welcome the Government’s publication of online guidance for people experiencing TNR.
We welcome the Government’s publication of online guidance for people experiencing TNR. This is a positive step towards providing easily accessible information on TNR and helping victims understand avenues of support available to them. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48) 42 Read more
Government Response
1. As the Committee’s report notes, individuals can already request access to, or removal of, their data via INTERPOL’s independent oversight body – the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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14 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend that the content of this guidance be reviewed regularly, with input from victims,...
We recommend that the content of this guidance be reviewed regularly, with input from victims, to ensure it is genuinely effective and helpful for victims and that it remains responsive to evolving TNR tactics. The Government should ensure that this … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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15 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We welcome the development of new training materials for police forces on TNR.
We welcome the development of new training materials for police forces on TNR. This represents a positive step toward improving frontline awareness and ensuring appropriate responses to TNR incidences. We welcome the decision to make this training mandatory for counter-terrorism … Read more
Government Response
5. The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that immigration decision makers are equipped to understand and respond to cases where Red Notices are a consideration. Relevant decision makers in … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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16 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The Government should regularly evaluate the uptake of the new police training on transnational repression.
The Government should regularly evaluate the uptake of the new police training on transnational repression. Updates on participation rates should be provided to the Committee every six months. If uptake remains limited, serious consideration should be given to making this … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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17 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We heard consistent evidence highlighting the absence of an effective mechanism for reporting suspected incidents...
We heard consistent evidence highlighting the absence of an effective mechanism for reporting suspected incidents of TNR. This gap not only leaves victims without adequate support but also significantly undermines the UK’s capacity to monitor, assess, and respond to such … Read more
Government Response
1. The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) gives the government independent powers to impose, implement, enforce and lift sanctions. SAMLA has been updated several times to strengthen the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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18 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
Victims of TNR often take considerable personal risk in reporting TNR related crimes.
Victims of TNR often take considerable personal risk in reporting TNR related crimes. Many choose not to come forward due to a lack of confidence in existing reporting systems, concerns that have often been shaped by previous negative experiences. Establishing … Read more
Government Response
1. Sanctions are carefully designed and targeted. The Government considers the potential domestic and wider impacts, including on the UK economy as well as on the intended target, and considers … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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19 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend that the Government establish a dedicated national reporting hotline for individuals who experience...
We recommend that the Government establish a dedicated national reporting hotline for individuals who experience TNR to enhance victim support, improve data collection, and facilitate timely referrals to the appropriate personnel. The reporting hotline should be established within one year … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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20 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We further recommend that data collected through the hotline be anonymised and recorded to inform...
We further recommend that data collected through the hotline be anonymised and recorded to inform policy development and threat assessments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 63) INTERPOL and visa applications
Ministry of Justice
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21 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We are deeply concerned by the misuse of INTERPOL Red Notices by certain member states.
We are deeply concerned by the misuse of INTERPOL Red Notices by certain member states. Refusal by the INTERPOL secretariat to acknowledge that there is a problem and to take remedial action poses a significant threat to the rights and … Read more
Government Response
INTERPOL is key for sharing information for law enforcement purposes with our European, Five Eyes and other international counterparts. There are rigorous processes put in place by INTERPOL to ensure … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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22 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend the Government works with ‘Five Eyes’ and other partners to track and expose...
We recommend the Government works with ‘Five Eyes’ and other partners to track and expose malicious, vexatious, and politically motivated use of Red Notices by member states. In doing so, the Government should advocate for greater transparency and accountability within … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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23 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
Currently there is no requirement for INTERPOL to alert people at risk of politically motivated...
Currently there is no requirement for INTERPOL to alert people at risk of politically motivated reprisals by foreign governments of a Notice being issued against them. This lack of transparency is particularly problematic in cases where individuals face credible risk … Read more
Government Response
1. As the Committee’s report notes, individuals can already request access to, or removal of, their data via INTERPOL’s independent oversight body – the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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24 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
While the option exists for individuals to request access to or removal of their data...
While the option exists for individuals to request access to or removal of their data via INTERPOL’s independent oversight body, the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files, this process is often significantly delayed and may not offer timely protection … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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25 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
In addition, the Government should take proactive steps to protect individuals facing an extradition risk...
In addition, the Government should take proactive steps to protect individuals facing an extradition risk due to a politically motivated Red Notice. A voluntary mechanism should be introduced to allow targeted British Nationals to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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26 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The presence of a politically motivated INTERPOL Red Notice can have serious implications for individuals...
The presence of a politically motivated INTERPOL Red Notice can have serious implications for individuals seeking asylum or applying for visas, often resulting in automatic refusal without due consideration of the underlying political context. (Conclusion, Paragraph 78) Read more
Ministry of Justice
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27 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The Home Office should ensure that all relevant immigration staff are adequately trained and informed...
The Home Office should ensure that all relevant immigration staff are adequately trained and informed about the potential misuse of Red Notices. In addition, the Country Policy and Information Notes used in assessing asylum claims should be revised to explicitly … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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28 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
TNR represents a growing threat to democratic values, the rule of law, and freedom of...
TNR represents a growing threat to democratic values, the rule of law, and freedom of expression. We are concerned that foreign policy decisions and international trade partnerships are often made without sufficient consideration of the TNR record of perpetrator states. … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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29 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend that the Government explicitly incorporate transnational repression into the UK’s human rights reporting...
We recommend that the Government explicitly incorporate transnational repression into the UK’s human rights reporting frameworks. In particular, references to TNR should be included in the next iterations of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s annual Human Rights and Democracy … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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30 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 do not capture the full range of TNR...
The Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 do not capture the full range of TNR tactics, including violence, intimidation, harassment, illegal deportations, abductions and abuse of international mechanisms such as INTERPOL. (Conclusion, Paragraph 88) Read more
Ministry of Justice
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31 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The Committee recommends that the Government review the scope of the UK’s sanctions framework to...
The Committee recommends that the Government review the scope of the UK’s sanctions framework to assess the feasibility of introducing specific TNR sanctions. The UK should also adopt a more proactive approach to sanctions, particularly in cases where UK nationals … Read more
Government Response
1. The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) gives the government independent powers to impose, implement, enforce and lift sanctions. SAMLA has been updated several times to strengthen the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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32 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
Due to the national security sensitivities and the need for swift action, there are limited...
Due to the national security sensitivities and the need for swift action, there are limited opportunities for Parliament to scrutinise sanctions policy. We recommend that the Government provide regular confidential updates to the Intelligence and Security Committee, outlining the rationale … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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33 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The UK should support efforts to elevate TNR as a priority on the UN agenda...
The UK should support efforts to elevate TNR as a priority on the UN agenda and promote coordinated international action against its use by authoritarian regimes. The Government should also ensure that information and data on TNR is shared with … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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34 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend that the Government work closely with Canada to strengthen international collaboration on countering...
We recommend that the Government work closely with Canada to strengthen international collaboration on countering TNR during Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency. As part of this effort, the UK should play a leading role in the launch and development of the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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35 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The UK should seek to play a leading and proactive role in shaping the Global...
The UK should seek to play a leading and proactive role in shaping the Global response to TNR as part of the US chaired Working Group on Transnational Repression. The Government should also raise the issue at the next Commonwealth … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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36 Conclusion
7th Report - Transnational repress…
The UK’s response to TNR would benefit significantly from more structured and consistent coordination across...
The UK’s response to TNR would benefit significantly from more structured and consistent coordination across government departments. Currently, responsibilities related to TNR are dispersed across the Home Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and … Read more
Government Response
1. We agree with the Committee’s findings that structured and consistent coordination across government is key to countering TNR, and it has been a priority to ensure our approach is … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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37 Recommendation
7th Report - Transnational repress…
We recommend this new unit has a central role in coordinating the UK’s response to...
We recommend this new unit has a central role in coordinating the UK’s response to TNR, ensuring that intelligence, law enforcement, and policy functions are aligned and responsive to emerging threats. We recommend the appointment of a dedicated lead for … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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