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Without clear data on the scale and nature of TNR events in the UK, it...

Recommendation
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 to collect relevant data on the number and nature of TNR reports in the UK. This data should then be used to review the effectiveness of the new TNR strategy and to identify countries of concern. This approach will enhance the UK’s capacity to identify patterns of state- linked harassment and coercion, and to respond more effectively to the evolving threat landscape. We recommend that, in cases where reports of TNR do not lead to prosecution or further action, law enforcement 40 agencies should nonetheless record and retain relevant data, where appropriate, to support TNR trend analysis and future investigative efforts. (Recommendation, Paragraph 22)
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
1. FIRS imposes registration requirements on certain activity in the UK that is directed by foreign powers or entities. The political tier provides transparency to those who may be seeking to carry out political influence activity on behalf of a foreign state. 2. The enhanced tier provides greater assurance around the activities of the foreign powers or entities which pose the greatest risk to the UK. It requires those acting in the UK at the direction of a specified foreign power or foreign power-controlled entity to register. It also requires specified foreign power- controlled entities to register activities that they carry out themselves in the UK. The activities requiring registration under the enhanced tier could include activities which may repress individuals perceived to be a threat. The Government recognises that activity amounting to transnational repression is relevant to this assessment and will ensure it is considered in decisions regarding specification under the enhanced tier. 3. The Secretary of State may specify a country or part of a country under the enhanced tier where they consider specification to be reasonably necessary to protect the safety or interests of the UK. This requires the consideration of a broad range of interests, including but not limited to, security considerations. As with all risks to the UK’s national security, the risk posed by TNR will be carefully considered as part of this process, in agreement with the Committee’s recommendation. We will continue to keep specifications on the enhanced tier under constant review to ensure we are protecting the safety and interests of the UK. Countries are considered separately for specification and any changes to the countries listed will be announced first in Parliament in the usual way. No decision has been taken on whether we should specify China on the enhanced tier of the scheme. The implementation of the political tier of the scheme on 1 July ensures that any foreign influence in our democracy, including from China, needs to be declared. This is a significant step forward in protecting our democracy from interference.
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.9 yr
Report published 30 Jul 2025