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The Government should ensure that TNR is a high priority consideration when deciding which countries...
Recommendation
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 must be guided by objective assessments of threat, not influenced by broader foreign policy considerations. We recommend that the Government specify China under the enhanced tier of FIRS. China conducts the most comprehensive TNR campaign of any foreign state operating in the UK. Its omission from the enhanced tier risks undermining the credibility and coherence of FIRS. Any attempt to specify only isolated parts of the Chinese state in the FIRS would fail to reflect the true nature and complexity of the threat, as influence operations span all sectors of the economy and lack clear command-and- control structures. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33) 41
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1. The Government welcomes the Committee’s recognition of the online guidance published on 14 May for individuals who believe they may be at risk of TNR. This guidance is a key part of our broader effort to ensure that victims and at-risk individuals have access to clear, practical advice on how to protect themselves and report concerns. We agree that ensuring this guidance remains visible, relevant and accessible is essential. 2. The guidance is designed to be accessible and practical, offering advice on both physical and online safety. It is integrated with wider protective security resources, including those from the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Protective Security Authority, and supports existing reporting mechanisms, including how to contact the police and what to expect when doing so. 3. The Government agrees that this guidance must remain responsive to the evolving nature of TNR. To that end, the content will be kept under regular review, informed by operational insights and ongoing engagement with civil society organisations and trusted networks. 4. While the Government does not currently plan to publish the guidance in multiple languages, we remain committed to ensuring it is accessible. Translating and maintaining accurate versions in multiple languages would not be proportionate or beneficial and usage is likely to be low given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK. Prioritising specific languages could risk stigmatising certain communities or inadvertently suggesting that entire groups are under threat or surveillance. 5. Our approach is guided by the principle of “be alert but not afraid”. Our engagement is designed to be proportionate, protective, and sensitive to the risks of misinterpretation or misuse. The targeted and specific nature of the threat means victims of TNR benefit most from trusted, personalised engagement, and we continue to work with civil society organisations and professional bodies to disseminate guidance through appropriate channels. 6. The Government will continue to assess the effectiveness and reach of this guidance and remains open to feedback and further enhancements where they would demonstrably and proportionately improve accessibility and impact. We are grateful for the Committee’s suggestions, which will inform our ongoing work in this area.
Source
Committee
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Report
7th Report - Transnational repression in the UK
30 Jul 2025
HC 681
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.9 yr
Report published
30 Jul 2025