Businesses such as banks, estate agents, accountants and payment firms will have to carry out stringent and targeted checks to make sure that money changing hands is from a legitimate source and will not be used to fund terror acts.

Serious and organised crime costs Britain at least £24 billion every year, and recent attacks demonstrate the importance of a strong toolkit to prevent terrorist atrocities. Although the vast majority of businesses are vigilant, these new rules will ensure that they are not abused by criminals or terrorists looking to move funds or obscure assets.

The rules will improve the quality of the checks. They ensure that businesses can spot suspicious activity and report it, enabling the police to act swiftly and decisively to prevent corruption or terrorist attacks.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Barclay, said:

We are cracking down on terrorists and criminals funnelling money through our financial system.

Terrorist financing and money laundering are significant threat to our national security, and we are determined to make the UK a hostile environment for illicit finance.

These new rules will tighten our defences, protect the integrity of our financial system and help protect the British public from terror attacks and criminal activities.

The partnership between the banking sector and law enforcement is vital in limiting abuse of the financial system by terrorists and criminals. In the recent terrorist attacks in the UK, major UK banks provided 24 hour support for an extended period to provide critical financial intelligence to support law enforcement partners.

These regulations implement the EU 4th Money Laundering Directive and complement work across government to strengthen our defences and deliver on the 2016 Action Plan for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist finance.

This includes the Criminal Finances Act, which will give law enforcement further capabilities and powers to recover the proceeds of crime, tackle money laundering, tax evasion and corruption, and combat the financing of terrorism.

Creation of a single licence category for the over ten metre fleet segment in Scotland

The minister met Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk, the heads of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces (ISF) and General Security, as well as other senior security staff.

The United Kingdom has committed £81 million since 2011 to supporting Lebanese security through a partnership with Lebanese security forces and the minister had the opportunity to witness UK projects which support the LAF and ISF.

At Hamat Air Base, the minister saw how the LAF are effectively countering Daesh in the Qalamoun region, discussed the UK’s support in securing Lebanon’s border with Syria and observed a live training demonstration on countering improvised explosive devices.

He discussed internal security matters with Director General Osman, and visited the ISF Academy where the UK is helping train officers. He also visited police stations, modelled on those in the UK, and discussed the benefits of improved and increased inspections on professionalism and standards.

Security Minister Ben Wallace said:

It was a privilege to visit Lebanon for the first time. More than ever, the UK is committed to working with countries in this region and around the whole world to tackle the threat from terrorism and violent extremism.

We have committed £81 million of security assistance to Lebanon since 2011 to maintain security and stability and Lebanon is a strong and effective partner for the UK on security and counter-terrorism.

This Queen’s Speech is about recognising and grasping the opportunities that lie ahead for the United Kingdom as we leave the European Union:

• Delivering a Brexit deal that works for all parts of the United Kingdom.
• Building a stronger, fairer country by strengthening our economy, tackling injustice and promoting opportunity and aspiration.

Of the 24 bills and draft bills in the Queen’s Speech, 19 apply in whole or in part to Scotland.

The bills/draft bills which apply in full or part to Scotland are:

• Repeal Bill
• Customs Bill
• Trade Bill
• Immigration Bill
• Fisheries Bill
• Agriculture Bill
• Nuclear Safeguards Bill
• International Sanctions Bill
• Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill
• Space Industry Bill
• Smart Meter Bill
• National Insurance Contributions Bill
• Travel Protection Bill
• Financial Guidance and Claims Bill
• Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Bill
• Data Protection Bill
• European Union (Approvals) Bill
• Courts Bill
• High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Bill (technically applies to Scotland but concerns the Fradley-Crewe route)

The bills/draft bills which do not apply to Scotland are:

• Draft Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill
• Draft Patient Safety Bill
• Draft Tenants’ Fees Bill
• Civil Liability Bill
• Goods Mortgages Bill – a Law Commission bill (final extent subject to further development)

In addition the programme will include three UK Finance Bills to implement budget policy decisions.

Key points on some of the Bills applying to Scotland in full or in part:

Repeal Bill

This Bill would allow for a smooth and orderly transition as the UK leaves the EU, ensuring that, wherever practical, the same rules and laws apply after exit, maximising certainty for people and businesses.

Trade Bill

The Bill would cement the United Kingdom’s status as a leading trading nation, driving positive global change through trade, while ensuring UK businesses are protected from unfair trading practices. The Bill would put in place the essential legislative framework to allow the UK to operate its own independent trade policy upon exit from the European Union.

Immigration Bill

With the repeal of the European Communities Act, it will be necessary to establish new powers concerning the immigration status of EEA nationals. The Bill would allow the government to control the number of people coming here from Europe, while still allowing us to attract the brightest and the best.

Space Industry Bill

The UK has one of the largest aerospace industries in the world and has pioneered new technology for modern satellites. The Bill would boost British business and science by making the UK the most attractive place in Europe for commercial spaceflight.

Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill

The Bill would ensure the UK continues to be at the forefront of developing new technology in electric and automated road vehicles.

Commenting on the speech, Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said:

This Queen’s Speech is about bringing our United Kingdom closer together and fully grasping the opportunities ahead for the whole country as we leave the EU.

The UK Government’s legislative programme will help keep our country safe, enhance our standing in the world and make a success of our exit – as a first step repatriating into UK law powers currently held in Brussels, and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for our farming and fishing industries.

We will consult and listen, working with the UK Parliament, businesses, the devolved administrations and others to ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU.

We will bring powers back in a way that works best for Scotland and the rest of the UK. There will undoubtedly be more decision-making powers coming to Holyrood, and I look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government on this.

The next of kin of those who tragically lost their lives in the Grenfell fire are to receive an initial £20,000 and those seriously injured will receive up to an initial £10,000 when those details are released. Those made homeless will receive a ‘fresh start’ grant of £10,000 when they are permanently rehoused. These charitable funds have been made available, with more to follow, after a joint approach was agreed to consolidate some of the funds raised for the victims of the tragedy.

Three of the major funds for the people affected by the Grenfell fire, the British Red Cross, K&C Foundation and the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund, in collaboration with The London Community Foundation, are coming together with the London Emergencies Trust to make money available immediately.

Since last Wednesday, local and national charities have been on the ground in the vicinity of Grenfell Tower, working together to help the emergency relief effort and to support the local community. In addition, the public has been incredibly generous and over £10 million has been raised already.

The charities are working together to coordinate financial help for those affected, with the support and advice of the Charity Commission. Active discussions over the last few days are ensuring a unified approach from these charities to this national tragedy.

All those involved have committed to meeting the immediate needs of those bereaved, seriously injured, and who have lost their homes, and making sure it is as simple as possible for people to access those funds.

Support to date

• the K&C Foundation, an independent charity set up by local people which raises funds and resources for over 50 local charities a year, set up an appeal which has raised £3.4 million so far – £120,000 has already been released to 6 frontline local organisations and has been disbursed as immediate grants to those who have lost their homes

• the Rugby Portobello Trust have been one of multiple agencies working within the community and have distributed over £107,000 along with direct care, assistance and support to those affected

• the British Red Cross, the humanitarian organisation that works with people in crisis in the UK and abroad, has already raised £2.8 million – since the hours after the fire broke out, it has also had emergency response volunteers on the ground providing practical and emotional support and is now staffing a helpline for people affected and helping coordinate a community assistance centre

• the London Community Foundation, in conjunction with the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund and others have raised £4.9 million so far – £120,000 in total has already been released to households in Grenfell Tower and £100,000 to 20 local organisations supporting those affected

New further support available

Today we can collectively announce the first phase of joint funding:

• an initial payment of £20,000 will be distributed to the next of kin for each person who has died or is declared missing presumed dead upon those details being released

• initial payments of up to £10,000 are available for immediate distribution to each person seriously injured and requiring hospital treatment

• £10,000 for every family from Grenfell Tower as a ‘fresh start’ grant as they move into new permanent accommodation

This initial distribution will be funded from donations to the British Red Cross London Fire Relief Fund, the K&C Foundation and The London Community Foundation, with the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund. Funds will be released as details of those affected are released. These will be distributed by the London Emergencies Trust, a charity set up following the Westminster Bridge attack this year to support the victims of emergencies.

People who are eligible to receive these payments should call the British Red Cross helpline on 0800 458 9472.

This money will come from donations to the K&C Foundation. These funds will be available to those moving into new permanent accommodation from the Rugby Portobello Trust from Monday 26 June. Residents of the tower are able to access this grant from Monday 26 June by calling or emailing the Rugby Portobello Trust and asking to speak to the New Homes Team on 0207 229 2928 or newhomesteam@rpt.org.uk.

These are initial distributions to meet immediate need. The group of charities will be closely monitoring the needs of those affected and further charitable funds will be distributed over the coming weeks and months. The charities have confirmed their intention to continue working collaboratively to make sure donations are spent effectively and meet the needs of the community. These funds are separate to, and independent of, funds made available by the Government or local authority but the charities involved will seek to work with the authorities where necessary in the weeks ahead.

It is also vital that the longer term needs and wishes of the community in and around Grenfell Tower are heard, understood and met. Charitable funders are further working together with those affected to do this.

David Holdsworth, Chief Operating Officer at the Charity Commission, said:

Local and national charities, with their fantastic volunteers, have been at the forefront of supporting those in need since the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower. The British public have now donated millions to help the victims. Independent charities working together, at the heart of the community affected, will continue to have a vital role to play.

This collaboration, along with the first immediate distribution of funds from public donations, will help ensure clear, easy access to the help and support that those affected by this devastating tragedy so urgently need. They can never heal what has happened but will hopefully provide some help to those suffering at this most difficult time.

Michael Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said:

When something as appalling as the Grenfell fire happens it is absolutely natural that people want to help. We launched a national appeal to use our experience of fundraising to help people give to a cause that desperately needs their help, and to complement the amazing charitable work happening in the Grenfell community.

No amount of money can take away the pain of the past 8 days, but for people who have lost everything we hope it will help towards rebuilding their lives. Thank you to everyone who has given, and thank you to our partners for helping find a sensible way to get money to people who need it as soon as possible.

The public outpouring of support towards this appeal has been phenomenal and has enabled us and the other charities involved to give immediate help to those whose lives have been devastated by this terrible event.

We will continue to listen to the needs of the community at this difficult time to ensure that we continue to give the right help in the right way. We’re here for the long term, and are proud to be part of the collaborative effort to help those affected.

We are grateful to the Evening Standard, Artists for Grenfell and all of the companies and individuals who have so generously donated.

Gerald Oppenheim, Chair of the London Emergencies Trust, said:

Our aim to make sure that the money which was so generously donated by the public is distributed in a timely fashion and with compassionate regard to the individual circumstances of the people affected by these terrible events.

Anyone who qualifies for a LET award, and who makes a valid claim, will be paid irrespective of nationality, circumstance or any other factor.

Susan Dolton, Director at the K&C Foundation, said:

As an established local charity we were one of the first to raise and distribute funds to those who lost their homes in the Grenfell Tower fire through some of our excellent local charity partners. We welcome this new unified effort that will ensure that everyone affected by this tragic event receives the support they need as quickly as possible.

Charities who want to offer help and resources can contact info@londonfunders.org.uk.

Those involved in discussions to date include:

• Charity Commission for England and Wales
• British Red Cross (registered charity number 220949)
• K&C Foundation (1125940)
• London Emergencies Trust (1172307)
• London Funders (1116201)
• London Community Foundation (1091263)
• Muslim Aid (295224)
• Rugby Portobello Trust (1100143)

Ends

PR 51/17

Notes to editors

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. To find out more about our work, see our annual report.
2. Search for charities on our online register.