‘Leaving the EU will boost Britain’s war on terrorism’

BRITAIN will have stronger powers to impose sanctions on terrorist groups and dangerous regimes when it leaves the EU, ministers have revealed.

A new Sanctions Bill is to be unveiled today, repatriating powers currently held by Brussels to freeze assets and block access to bank accounts of governments of rogue states, criminal organisations and individuals.

It means Britain will no longer be held back by Brussels in the war on terror.

The move is part of a double assault on terrorism by the Government.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has told internet giants at a major conference in California that they have to stop allowing the web to be a “hiding place” for extremists.

The Government’s Sanctions Bill will ensure it has the legal powers to bring forward restrictions on foreign countries after the UK’s EU withdrawal.

Extremists

It will include additional powers to ensure ministers can freeze terrorists’ assets more easily.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay said: “These new powers will help us keep the British public safer from terrorist attacks by keeping money out of the hands of those wishing to cause us harm.”

The Sanctions Bill is one of eight Brexit-related pieces of legislation to be brought forward over the next two years.

Speaking at the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism’s inaugural meeting in San Francisco, Ms Rudd said: “Terrorists and extremists have sought to misuse your platforms to spread their hateful messages.

“This forum is a crucial way to start turning the tide.

“The responsibility for tackling this threat at every level lies with both governments and industry.

“We have a shared interest – we want to protect our citizens and keep the free and open internet we all love.”