Counter-terrorism strategy
Targeting terrorist activity
Money underpins all terrorist activity - without it there can be no attacks and, more fundamentally, no training, recruitment, facilitation or welfare support for terrorist groups.
The disruption of terrorist activity is a key element of the government's overall fight against terrorism, involving close working across government between the intelligence and law enforcement agencies and the financial sector.
This work aims to create a hostile environment for terrorists by disrupting and cutting off their funds in order to deter them from using financial systems to further their work.
The UK is at the forefront of international activity in this area, and working closely with governments in other nations.
Cutting off terrorist funds
The main goals of the government’s strategy are:
- to decrease the amount of funds raised in the UK for terrorist purposes by creating as hostile an environment as possible
- to identify and disrupt terrorist facilitators, and stop the flow of funds overseas where they impact on UK interests
- to encourage and assist other countries in enhancing their own capabilities against terrorist finance
There are a number of ways to challenge terrorist fundraising. For example, the UK's terrorist asset freezing powers publicly identify suspects and groups linked to terrorism. These also freeze any existing assets and disable terrorists' ability to raise or move further funds.
Deportations with assurances
The Home Secretary may deport foreign nationals who represent a threat to national security, on the grounds that their presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good.
In some instances, the UK may decide to seek assurances on the safety on return of these individuals in order to satisfy ourselves that the proposed deportation is consistent with the UK’s international human rights obligations.
The UK has agreed memoranda of understanding on this basis with Jordan, Lebanon and Libya; separate arrangements have also been made with Algeria. Specific assurances may also be sought.
Foreign nationals have a right to appeal against deportation decisions.
You can see the agreements on the FCO website (new window).
Working partnerships
The government works closely with the intelligence law enforcement agencies on this issue, and will continue to do so. The financial and business sectors are key partners in denying terrorists access to the UK's financial systems and products.
Charities and voluntary organisations play an important role in ensuring that funds they collect are not diverted to terrorist front organisations. The UK has played a key role in the production of a draft code of conduct for NGOs by the European Commission.
The British Bankers' Association provides guidance for financial institutions working to stop identity fraud and terrorism in the booklet: Proving Your Identity (new window).
