Jeremy Corbyn Calls For Sanctions On Banks & Countries Funding ISIS

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Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn said that the UK should be more proactive about imposing economic sanctions on banks and countries suspected of funding or supporting ISIS.

The leader of the Labour party told David Cameron to push for an economic crackdown with the rest of the European Union, claiming the terror group was being provided with “vital infrastructure”.

Following the Paris attacks, Mr Corbyn had named Saudi Arabia as a country that was not doing all it could to fight ISIS. He said the UK should be asking questions about Saudi Arabia’s involvement.

RT reports:

Corbyn said one of the main ways to stop IS from functioning is to cut off its resources, suggesting the EU would also need to play a part in suffocating the organization.

“Surely a crucial way to help defeat ISIL is to cut off its funding, its supply of arms, and its trade,” Corbyn said during prime minister’s questions (PMQs).

“Can I press the prime minister to ensure that our allies in the region, indeed all countries in the region, are doing all they can to clamp down on individuals and institutions in their countries who are providing ISIL with vital infrastructure?

“Will he, through the European Union and other forums if necessary, consider sanctions against those banks and companies and if necessary countries which turn a blind eye to those who do dealings with ISIL who assist them in their work?” he asked.

Prime Minister David Cameron responded saying the UK is already playing “a leading role” in starving IS of funds, but warned it could not be the only British response to the extremist group.

“We cannot dodge forever the question of how to degrade and destroy ISIL both in Iraq and in Syria, … yes, go after the money, go after the banks, cut off their supplies, but don’t make that a substitute for the action that’s required to beat these people where they are,” he said.

Corbyn has previously criticized Saudi Arabia for failing to stop resources and money being sent to IS.

“Saudi Arabia, maybe not at government level, but certainly at aid-level, has been providing support to ISIL,” he said.

Cameron is currently preparing the House of Commons for a vote to extend British airstrikes from Iraq into Syria.

The prime minister has said he will not hold the vote until he is guaranteed enough backing to pass it, but it is thought the terror attacks in Paris last week will have bolstered support for more airstrikes.

At the G20 summit in Turkey on Monday, Cameron expressed his interest in working more closely with Russia, which is already launching airstrikes in Syria against IS targets.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Cameron said the attacks in Paris on Friday justify a “full spectrum approach,” including military power, counter-terrorism action and countering the narrative of extremism.

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