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<p>UK counter-terrorism legislation is kept under constant review to ensure the police
and the security and intelligence agencies have the powers they need to tackle all
new and existing threats, whether home grown or international. Our continued focus
rightly seeks to dissuade individuals from travelling to places of conflict and to
work with communities to prevent the radicalisation of individuals. We also seek to
ensure that where individuals have undertaken illegal activities, whether at home
or abroad, they are not beyond the reach of the law and can be prosecuted.</p><p>UK
counter-terrorism legislation is subject to robust independent oversight. The Independent
Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, currently David Anderson QC, reviews the legislation
and reports his findings to Parliament annually. The Government gives careful consideration
to these reports and any recommendations he may make. For example, following a recommendation
in his last annual report released in July 2014, officials have opened a dialogue
with international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) about their operations overseas
and the parameters within which they work. This constructive dialogue is continuing.</p><p>Ensuring
an effective response to humanitarian crises is a key objective for this Government.
In line with the key humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality, we work
with trusted humanitarian partners with experience of operating in fragile and conflict
affected states, to ensure that aid is delivered to people on a needs basis. In 2015/16
the Department for International Development is working with 18 humanitarian partners
in Syria and 18 partners in neighbouring countries. These include UN agencies, Red
Cross/Crescent organisations, INGOs and international financial institutions, who
in turn work with local NGOs and civil society organisations. The Government also
work with a range of partners utilising the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund,
including Syrian organisations, INGOs, the private sector, academic institutions,
international organisations and other donors. We apply a rigorous process of due diligence,
where partners must demonstrate accountable and transparent governance structures
and financial procedures, as well as compliance with relevant legislation.</p>
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