Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sanctions

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the objectives of the UK sanctions regime are compatible with UK-based public policy professionals and lobbyists representing, directly or indirectly, the interests of foreign political entities associated with persons designated under UK sanctions; and what assessment they have made of risks to the integrity of the UK's sanctions regime.

Answer

The UK's sanctions regimes are a key foreign policy and national security tool, used to deter and disrupt malign behaviour and demonstrate support for international norms.

Designations are targeted, lawful and transparent, with due process protections and the ability to challenge them. The Government keeps sanctions under review to ensure they remain effective, proportionate and aligned with policy objectives, including how they interact with professional service providers and others exposed to sanctions risk. UK sanctions must be complied with by any individual, business or organisation undertaking activities in the UK, as well as UK nationals and UK-incorporated entities operating anywhere in the world.

A robust compliance and enforcement framework, alongside engagement with industry, helps identify and mitigate risks, maintaining the credibility and integrity of each regime.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1158
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Sanctions
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Sanctions

Secondary information

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