Implementing ‘targeted’ UN sanctions in the UK: is freezing of terrorist assets giving fundamental rights the cold shoulder?

Abstract

This article will examine the effect of instigating United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR’s) in relation to assets freezing of those suspected of being involved in terrorist activity. It will discuss the decision by the UK Supreme Court in the leading judgment and the subsequent government’s responses concerning the introduction into the UK of UNSCR’s by means of secondary legislation in relation to Parliamentary supremacy. The main UK case under discussion will be R v A (& others). This case found that the freezing of assets of those suspected of terrorist activity in the UK, in compliance with various UNSC resolutions was ultra vires