The UK government has announced a significant expansion of its powers to combat foreign state-backed activity, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps becoming the first entities designated under landmark new legislation. This move, expected to receive parliamentary approval later this week, aims to bolster national security against threats such as espionage, foreign interference, sabotage, and physical attacks orchestrated by hostile states.
Under these enhanced powers, individuals found conducting acts of sabotage on behalf of these newly designated groups could face life imprisonment. Furthermore, new offences for supporting or assisting these organisations carry potential prison sentences of up to 14 years. The legislation is designed to streamline prosecutions, making it easier for police and intelligence agencies to build cases by removing the requirement to establish a direct foreign power connection in every instance.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the government's resolve, stating, "We will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets." He added that the new powers would facilitate the prosecution and incarceration of anyone carrying out "dirty work" for foreign powers in the UK. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted the immediate impact, confirming the rapid designation of the three groups to ensure those working for them are "tracked down and put behind bars."
The crackdown follows a series of incidents, including claims by the IMCR of seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, as well as Persian-language media. These include an antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on 23 March. Intelligence agencies have indicated that members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force were almost certainly directing IMCR attacks across Europe.
This legislative action builds upon existing measures, including a record £250 million investment over three years to strengthen policing and protective security within Jewish communities. This funding supports over 500 additional officers, enhanced patrols, and improved protection around schools, synagogues, and community centres. The government has also taken robust action against Iran, sanctioning the IRGC in its entirety and over 550 Iranian-linked individuals and entities, in response to at least 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots against people in the UK identified by MI5 in a single year.