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 term to describe certain foreign state-directed crimes against individuals. This activity can take place both physically and online, with examples including intimidation, surveillance, harassment, forced/coerced return, abduction and even assassination at the most serious end of the scale. 2. The Government accepts the Committee’s view that any definition should be sufficiently broad to capture the full range of victims. We agree with this principle and have intentionally shaped our description to reflect this. The Government’s description of TNR was developed through the Defending Democracy Taskforce’s Review and informed by engagement with law enforcement, civil society, and affected individuals. It ensures that all victims are recognised, regardless of ethnicity or nationality, and avoids introducing limitations based on community affiliation or motivation, which are often difficult to conclusively establish. This approach provides maximum flexibility to respond to the evolving threat and aligns as closely as possible with international partners’ interpretations. 3. The Government’s description of TNR captures the totality of the issue and the full spectrum of threats - from online harassment to assassination at the most serious end of the scale. TNR is not a new phenomenon and the UK’s legal, policy and operational responses to this type of harm have developed over decades. The National Security Act 2023 provides a comprehensive suite of powers to tackle TNR, in particular, the Foreign Interference Offence and the state threats aggravating factor, which enable conduct to be prosecuted where it is carried out for or on behalf of a foreign power. Therefore, the Government agrees with the Committee’s conclusion that the creation of additional criminal offences is not necessary at this time to address the challenges posed by TNR. 4. Our approach is designed to encourage reporting and ensure that victims receive the support and protection they need. Law enforcement agencies are already receiving training on state threats and foreign interference, including how to identify and respond to activity that may amount to TNR. This training is available to all police forces and is being rolled out alongside a programme of briefings and awareness-raising. 5. While there is no universally agreed international definition of TNR, the UK’s flexible approach enables effective collaboration with likeminded partners. The Government want individuals to feel confident reporting any incident of state-directed crime, without needing to consider whether or not their experience meets a strict definition. 6. The Government will continue to keep its approach under review, including the potential utility of further explanatory materials or guidance, to ensure that all relevant bodies are aligned in their understanding of what constitutes TNR and that there are appropriate mechanisms in place for addressing it. We remain open to considering further steps that support clarity and coordination, in line with the Committee’s emphasis on ensuring a joined-up response.