The government is set to introduce legislation that would impose 14-year prison sentences on individuals carrying out antisemitic attacks on behalf of foreign powers such as Iran. The measure, expected to be included in the King's Speech next week, aims to close a loophole exploited by proxy groups acting for hostile states.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will gain powers under the National Security Act to designate certain proxy organisations as foreign intelligence services. Those found to be conducting activities for these groups could face up to 14 years in jail, even if they were unaware of who they were working for. The move targets the recruitment of criminals via social media to carry out terrorism, sabotage, and espionage.
The announcement follows a rise in antisemitic incidents, including arson attacks at Jewish sites in London and a double stabbing in Golders Green treated as terrorism. The Metropolitan Police has deployed an extra 100 officers to protect the Jewish community, having previously said 300 more were needed. Counter-terrorism police are also investigating a suspected arson at a former synagogue in Whitechapel.
The legislation will also allow the Home Secretary to ban state-backed groups such as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), fulfilling a Labour pledge. The Crown Prosecution Service has issued new guidance to fast-track hate crime cases amid what it called a 'deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents'. The Prime Minister has stated that Iran's attempts to 'foment violence, hatred or division' in Britain will not be tolerated.
