Numerous Conservative MPs have highlighted their concerns over Hezbollah’s fundraising operations within the European Union, in a series of parliamentary written questions on the subject.
The Hezbollah terror group is known for its criminal activities in Europe, including drug trafficking, money-laundering, producing counterfeit currency and raising funds for its military activities.
Newly elected Conservative MPs Paul Holmes and Gary Sambrook questioned the UK Government on what recent discussions Ministers have had with EU counterparts on this issue.
CFI Vice-Chairman Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP asked the Home Secretary “what assessment she has made of the accuracy of reports that Hezbollah’s Foreign Relations Department is raising funds and operating within the EU”, and Conservative MP for Southport Damien Moore asked a further written question on UK dialogue with the EU.
Andrew Rosindell MP joined colleagues in expressing concerns, noting “a potential increase in the activity of Hezbollah in the UK as a result of the economic downturn during the COVID-19 outbreak”.
Home Office Minister Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire MP confirmed that the UK is working “very closely with international partners and financial institutions” to tackle terrorist financing.
The Home Office Minister underlined that Hezbollah in its entirety is subject to UK counter-terrorism sanctions, in line with the UK Government’s decision last year under then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid to proscribe the organisation in full.
The UK’s decision to designate Hezbollah as a terror organisation in full came after cross-party parliamentarians regularly called for the group to be banned, in particular raising their concerns about the waving of Hezbollah flags on the streets of London at the annual Al-Quds Day rally.
Last month, Germany joined the UK, the US, Canada and the Netherlands in banning the terror group.
