Counter-Terrorism Bill to go to parliament tomorrow

Home secretary Theresa May cited UN estimates that ransom payments raised up to £28m for militant group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the past 12 months as she yesterday announced intentions to ban ransom insurance payments.

Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill, to be introduced to parliament on 26 November, an offence will apply to ransom payments, May, pictured, said in a speech at the Royal United Services Institute.

"To put an end to uncertainty about insurance and reinsurance payments for kidnap and ransom, and to help prevent an important element of terrorist financing, the Bill will amend existing law to make sure UK-based insurance firms do not provide cover for the payment of terrorist ransoms," she said.

In the speech, May said the powers in the Bill are key to keeping up with the changing threats faced by the UK.

"It is also right that we make sure there is proper oversight and scrutiny of those who use the sensitive powers granted by counter-terrorism legislation," she said.

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• Topics
• Kidnap & ransom (K&R)
• Legislation
• Politics
• Claims
• Insurer