New Anti-Terror Powers to Target State-Backed Groups
Ministers are preparing to introduce new anti-terrorism legislation that would empower the UK government to ban state-backed threats such as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the upcoming parliamentary session.
These new powers would enable the government to officially designate state-supported groups as terrorist organisations. The proposed legal changes are expected to establish new criminal offences for individuals who support or promote groups formally listed as state-backed threats.
The BBC has learned that these powers will be part of the government's legislative agenda, which will be announced in the King's Speech on 13 May.
Background on the IRGC
The IRGC was established to protect Iran's Islamic system and has evolved into a significant military, political, and economic entity within the country. It is estimated to have tens of thousands of active members and has been consistently accused by Western nations of sponsoring terrorism internationally.
Calls for Proscription Following Antisemitic Attacks
Labour MPs have urged the UK government to ban the IRGC following a series of antisemitic attacks since the onset of the conflict in Iran. An Islamist group suspected of Iranian links, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, claimed responsibility for a recent attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London, as well as other incidents across the UK and Europe.
Several European countries and the European Union have already added the IRGC to their lists of proscribed terrorist organisations.
Prime Minister Starmer's Statement
This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need to address malign state actors and indicated that his government would introduce legislation "as quickly as possible."
"In relation to malign state actors more generally, we do need legislation in order to take necessary measures and that is legislation we're bringing forward as soon as we can," Sir Keir said in a video posted by the Jewish Chronicle newspaper.
"We're going into a new session in a few weeks' time and we're going to bring that legislation forward."
The Jewish Chronicle also quoted Sir Keir expressing concern about the increasing use of proxies by the Iranian government, stating he was "very worried."
Previous Government's Position and Criticism
The prior Conservative government did not proscribe the IRGC, despite indicating plans to do so in 2023. Maintaining diplomatic relations with Iran has been cited as a factor in the decision not to proscribe the IRGC previously.
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel criticized the Labour government, stating:
"Labour promised action on IRGC proscription but, despite reviews and rising threats, they have failed to deliver. Our allies from Europe to Canada and the Gulf have already acted, and the UK is lagging behind."
Labour's Election Promise and Subsequent Review
Labour had pledged to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation prior to the 2024 general election. However, after assuming power, the Labour government paused this action while ministers reviewed options for addressing state-linked organisations.
Existing Legal Framework and Recommendations for Change
The government currently holds powers to proscribe organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000. Groups such as the Iran-backed Hezbollah have been banned under this legislation.
Last year, Jonathan Hall KC, the government's independent reviewer of terror legislation, recommended new powers to address state-sponsored organisations. In his report, Hall suggested a legal amendment that would grant the government powers "equivalent to proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000." He cited the IRGC as an example of an entity that would be subject to such powers.
"By way of example, this strong power would be available for use against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," Hall stated.
Government Acceptance of Recommendations
Yvette Cooper, serving as home secretary last year, confirmed that the government accepted Hall's recommendations.
"We will draw up new powers modelled on counter terrorism powers in a series of areas to tackle these state threats," Cooper said in May last year.
"And crucially I can tell the House we will create a new power of proscription to cover state threats – a power that is stronger than current national security act powers in allowing us to restrict the activity and operations of foreign state backed organisations in the UK."
