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11 July 2008
A change in the law means that British citizens who commit sex crimes against children abroad will face prosecution in the UK.
Those crimes can be punished under UK law even if the acts are not illegal in the country where they are committed.
The new legislation, contained in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, takes effect 14 July.
It means that UK citizens who commit any sexual offence against a child overseas that is illegal in this country can expect to be prosecuted on their return to the UK.
Making already tough laws even tougher
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said the UK already has some of the toughest legislation in the world and the government is determined to do everything it can to protect children.
'I hope this new law will send a tough message to deter travelling sex tourists,' he said.
The UK has strong agreements with police and child protection agencies around the world to share information of concern, particularly about known child sex offenders.
