Skip to main content

Written question asked by Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Sudan: Gold

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the United Kingdom’s sanctions regime relating to Sudan in preventing gold originating from that country from entering UK markets, including where such gold has been processed or refined in third countries; and whether she plans to introduce additional sanctions and import controls.

Answer

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As an OECD member, we have committed to businesses in the UK applying the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows. We will continue to urge all countries to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties. On 20 July 2023, the UK announced sanctions targeting 13 individuals and businesses linked to the actions of Russia's Wagner Group including alleged involvement in the exploitation of gold resources in Sudan. Sanctions policy remains under review. We do not comment on possible plans for future designations.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112956
Session
2024-26
Related items
Sudan: Ceasefires
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sudan: Conflict Resolution
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sudan: Conflict Resolution
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sudan: Sanctions
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Show all related items (8)
Sudan: Sanctions
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sudan: Crimes against Humanity
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sudan: Humanitarian Aid
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sudan: Humanitarian Aid
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Imports Gold Sudan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk