The United Kingdom government has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday. Individuals found to be carrying out acts of sabotage on behalf of the IRGC could face life imprisonment.
Scope of the Designation
The government is laying draft regulations before Parliament to proscribe the IRGC along with two other groups: the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Volunteer Corps. The move aims to combat Iranian-backed groups recruiting criminals for attacks targeting the Jewish community in the UK.
Under new state threat powers, anyone supporting or assisting these groups will face a maximum punishment of 14 years in prison, although ministers require parliamentary approval to enforce these penalties.
Background of Attacks
The designation follows a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites in London earlier this year, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green. The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right has claimed responsibility for several of these attacks.
Speaking to members of the Jewish community in the garden of Downing Street, Sir Keir stated: "A criminal group called the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right have publicly claimed seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and sitting behind them were members of Iran's IRGC." He added that the IRGC has a "long history of using proxies and criminal networks to target people in the UK, including our Jewish communities."
Government Response and Funding
The government has already announced an investment of more than £250 million to increase policing in Jewish communities. This funding will provide a surge in police presence, patrols, and security outside synagogues and schools, as well as specialist plain-clothes officers in Jewish communities.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented: "Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores. I have rapidly designated three groups so those working for them will be tracked down and put behind bars. I will leave no stone unturned to keep our country safe."
Reactions and Criticism
Lord Walney, a former government independent adviser on political violence and disruption, welcomed the move but noted it does not amount to "full proscription." He said: "After years of campaigning, it is very welcome to see the IRGC finally banned. This group has exported terror and extremism onto British streets on behalf of the Iranian regime for too long. This designation falls short of full proscription under the Terrorism Act, so the incoming prime minister must monitor carefully whether these laws are adequate to keep our streets safe."
