Bond warns National Security (State Threats) Bill risks blocking NGOs from delivering humanitarian assistance

Yesterday, Wednesday 17 June, the National Security (State Threats) Bill passed through the House of Commons. UK NGOs are concerned that the Bill is being rushed through Parliament, without consideration of the potential unintended consequences it will likely have on NGOs’ humanitarian and peacebuilding operations. 

The Bill is intended to build on the National Security Act 2023 and to strengthen the UK’s ability to deter, detect and disrupt threats from foreign states and their proxies, including through the creation of new offences relating to designated bodies. However, the new offences may have unintended consequences for the delivery of UK-supported humanitarian assistance in complex environments.

Having passed through the Commons at second reading and committee stages, the Bill will undergo readings in the House of Lords next Tuesday 23 June.

Bond, the UK network of NGOs working in humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and development said: 

“While we support efforts to keep UK citizens safe, the National Security (State Threats) Bill lacks clear humanitarian and peacebuilding safeguards. In particular, it creates a risk that, if any part of a government in countries where NGOs operate is designated in future, NGOs could be unintentionally caught by the law. 

This uncertainty could trigger de‑banking, block financial transfers, and disrupt delivery of essential services such as health, education and water. References in explanatory notes are not enough: without clear legal protections in the Bill itself, NGOs may face delays, loss of services, and reduced ability to operate. Unless the Bill makes clear that conduct related to humanitarian and peacebuilding activities is outside its scope, it significantly risks hindering life‑saving humanitarian assistance in countries where this new law could apply.” 

ENDS.
 Notes to Editors

1. Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the International Development Committee, wrote to the Home Secretary raising her concerns about the Bill. Read the letter and Sarah Champion’s comment here.
2. Bond has put together a briefing on the National Security (State Threats) Bill. Read here. 
3. For further information or interviews, please contact Emily Loynes at [email protected]
4. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 330 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.