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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.
read moreCreation of a single licence category for the over ten metre fleet segment in Scotland
You may be aware that Marine Scotland have created a single licence category for the over ten metre fleet segment in Scotland.
Different licence categories will remain in existence in England after 30 June 2017. Category B or C licence entitlements transferring from Scotland will be received as a Category B or C as they were prior to 1 July 2017.
Scottish licences created through disaggregation or aggregation in Scotland after 30 June 2017 will be tracked back to the lowest common denominator and received accordingly on transfer to England. For example a licence aggregation between an ex-Category B and an ex-Category A licence in Scotland will be received in England as a Category B licence.
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:
read moreIt 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:
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:
The bills/draft bills which do not apply to Scotland are:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Bill would ensure the UK continues to be at the forefront of developing new technology in electric and automated road vehicles.
read moreThis 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.