The UK has strengthened its defences against state-backed hostile groups following the passing of the National Security (State Threats) Bill, which grants new powers to the Home Secretary.
Receiving Royal Assent on 8 July, the landmark legislation delivers on the government's commitment to bring in new proscription-like powers to protect against state threats. The new powers allow the Home Secretary to designate foreign state organisations and state-linked groups involved in hostile activity, giving police and intelligence agencies stronger tools to disrupt and deter those working on their behalf.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the new powers are a significant step in dismantling and deterring hostile activity, while Sir Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, highlighted the growing threat from state actors intent on doing the UK harm. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, described the new legislation as vital for the safety and security of the UK and its citizens.
The new measures include criminalising the expression of support for designated organisations, as well as assisting or receiving payment from such groups. These offences build on the National Security Act 2023, enabling proxy groups to be treated in the same way as foreign intelligence services.
The UK government asserts that the new measures will make it easier to bring prosecutions and send a strong message to hostile states that their activities will not be tolerated. With the threat from foreign states and proxy groups evolving, these new powers aim to bolster the UK's defences and keep pace with the growing scale and complexity of threats.