The United Kingdom has today, 17 July 2026, officially designated three groups – the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps – as posing a threat to national security. This landmark decision marks the first time such powers have been exercised under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, which received parliamentary approval earlier this week after an order was laid by the Home Secretary on Monday, 13 July.
Under the newly activated legislation, it is now a criminal offence to express support for any of these designated organisations. This means that individuals found to be glorifying or encouraging activities carried out by these groups, which are deemed to threaten the safety of the UK, could face prosecution. Furthermore, the Act criminalises assisting these bodies or accepting any material benefit from them, such as financial payments. Those convicted of such offences could face significant prison sentences, potentially up to 14 years.
The Government's move aims to bolster national security by providing stronger legal tools to counter state-sponsored threats and hostile foreign interference. The National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 builds upon existing legislation, including the National Security Act 2023, which addresses a broader range of offences such as sabotage. Individuals committing acts like sabotage on behalf of these designated groups could face prosecution under the 2023 Act, which carries a potential penalty of life imprisonment.
The Home Office stated that the designations are crucial for protecting the safety and interests of the UK. While the specific evidence leading to these designations has not been fully disclosed, the decision underscores the Government's commitment to addressing evolving national security challenges posed by state actors and their proxies. This initial set of designations sets a precedent for future applications of the Act, indicating a proactive approach to identifying and neutralising threats.
The Opposition has largely supported measures aimed at enhancing national security, though concerns about civil liberties and the precise scope of the new powers have been raised during the legislative process. However, the designation of these specific groups has seen broad cross-party consensus on the need to address their activities. The Home Secretary’s decision to lay the order before Parliament this week reflects a determination to rapidly implement the new powers.