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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jessica Elgot Deputy political editor

UK will sanction human rights abusers rather than ‘commentate’, says Cleverly

James Cleverly
Cleverly said the new approach against offenders would aim sanctions at individuals instead of punishing entire countries. Photograph: James Manning/PA

British diplomats have too often acted as “commentators” rather than using leverage against human rights abusers, according to the foreign secretary, who said the culture of his department would shift so that dictators would “pay the price”.

The UK is set to announce a raft of sanctions against individuals in 11 countries, including Iran, Russia, Mali and Nicaragua, targeting those responsible for acts of torture, sexual violence and the repression of protests.

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