Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Wednesday 12th April 2023

The UK Government is committed to tackling corruption and money laundering. We will take action – including sanctions – against individuals involved in illicit financial activity.

Corruption undermines a country’s democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights. The UK Government is acting robustly to tackle corruption and illicit finance in the UK and overseas. We have long recognised the risks and corrosive effects of dirty money being laundered in the UK and are committed to making the UK’s financial system a hostile place for illicit finance. This is why government has just published the second public-private Economic Crime Plan that outlines ambitious actions to combat corruption and money laundering. The government has also committed to publishing a second UK Anti-Corruption Strategy that will outline a refreshed approach to tackling corruption in the UK and internationally.

In 2021, the UK launched the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, a significant step forward for the UK’s global leadership in combatting corruption around the world. This sanctions regime allows the Government to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those involved in serious corruption. This sends a clear message that those implicated in corruption are not welcome in the UK, and nor is their money. The UK will continue to pursue designations to deter individuals against future illicit activity, combat serious corruption and promote our values around the world. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not speculate on future designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

With regards to Pakistanis residing in the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office cannot comment on individual cases.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office