LONDON, July 11 (Xinhua) -- British paedophiles who abuse children in foreign countries will face prosecution at home as a new law comes into force next week.

    The law will allow police to bring charges against "sex tourists" even if their activities were legal in the country where the acts took place.

    At the moment, a Briton can have sex legally with someone under the age of 16 in a foreign country if the age of consent is lower there, Sky news reported on Friday.

    "I hope this new law will send a tough message to deter traveling sex tourists. From July 14, anyone who commits an offense against children abroad will face the prospect of prosecution for the same offense here even though it may not have been an offense in that country," said Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker.

    Chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Center Jim Gamble called the measure a "significant step forward." "It sends out a very clear and unequivocal message to offenders everywhere - and no matter whether they are in the UK or abroad - we will track you, we will bring you to account and you will face the consequences of your criminal actions."