A former star of The Apprentice has been reported to counter-terror police after addressing a pro-regime rally in Iran where participants waved Hezbollah flags. Bushra Shaikh, a media personality who has become a mouthpiece for the country's Islamist government, shared a video of the event on Saturday, proudly describing it as 'my first speech at a rally in Iran'.
The video shows several people in the crowd holding the yellow flag of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militia that is proscribed in the UK as a terrorist organisation. Hours after the post went online, a report — seen by the Daily Mail — was sent to the Metropolitan Police claiming Ms Shaikh may have breached the Terrorism Act, which bans 'inviting support' for a terror group.
The report also alleged that she may have violated the National Security Act, which requires individuals to register with the UK Government if they are 'directed by a foreign power to carry out political influence activities'. The Met said in response: 'Any allegations relating to possible terrorism or national security related offences will be passed to officers within Counter Terrorism Policing, who will assess the details and take any further action as appropriate.'
Background on Bushra Shaikh
Ms Shaikh appeared on series 13 of The Apprentice in 2017 as the founder of a 'modest' fashion label for Muslim women before being fired by Lord Sugar on the ninth episode. She went on to launch an anti-racism campaign in sport called Run Racism Out and in February 2024 appeared on a BBC Radio 3 documentary called What is British culture?
However, Ms Shaikh was widely condemned in October 2024 for a string of antisemitic X posts where she described Jews who moved to Israel from Europe as 'the biggest charlatans on this planet' and a 'bunch of lying scumbags'. She also said Jews should be expelled from Israel, adding on X: 'One state solution. Palestine. And send this European problem back to f****** Europe.'
The posts emerged when she was appearing on Channel 4 reality TV series Go Back To Where You Came From, which saw six 'opinionated Brits' experience life in a refugee camp. Asked why it was giving Ms Shaikh airtime, Channel 4 said it would 'challenge' any 'strong views' expressed in the programme but 'responsibility for social media posts lies with the individual'. Even though both tweets remain live on her account, the influencer has continued to be invited as a guest on mainstream TV and radio shows.
Details of the Iran Rally
Her speech on Saturday took place during her second visit to Iran this year. Footage of the moment shows her wearing a hijab and standing in front of a banner which appears to read 'One Vengeance for All'. In a caption, Ms Shaikh said she was 'honoured to be a special attendance speaker'.
The subsequent report to the Met claimed Ms Shaikh is 'likely being directed and potentially incentivised by the Iranian government'. If so, she would have to be 'registered on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)' or risk 'committing a criminal offence' under the National Security Act.
Legal Implications
Home Office guidance states that registration is usually only required for activities carried out in the UK, but 'an activity [that] starts abroad but has effect in the UK' may fall under the scope of the legislation. The guidance specifically states that 'a post on a social media page which is targeted at individuals in the UK' may be covered by FIRS, 'even if it is posted by an individual overseas'.
During her trip, Ms Shaikh has also appeared on Iran's Press TV social media channel and interviewed the Iranian Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament. In one clip, she is seen walking around without a hijab and claims Iran's laws on the issue are 'relaxed'. In 2024, Iran passed new 'morality laws' under which women who refuse to wear the hijab can be flogged, jailed for up to fifteen years or even executed.
On Friday, Ms Shaikh posted a video claiming that 'CURRENTLY THERE ARE ZERO WOMEN IN IRAN, IN LINE FOR EXECUTIONS'. However, it has been widely reported that at least one Iranian woman, Bita Hemmati, has been sentenced to death for involvement in protests against the regime.
Expert Reactions
Roger Macmillan, former director of security at Iran International and an expert on counter-terrorism, described Ms Shaikh as 'part of a regime-facilitated influence operation with a British face'. He added: 'The Islamic Republic doesn't give Western commentators free access out of generosity. There's always a transaction, and FIRS exists precisely to make that transaction visible. The Islamic Republic doesn't need Press TV to reach British audiences anymore — it has British faces doing it for them and from Iran too. These influencers think they're reporting. Tehran knows they're broadcasting.'
Lord Walney, the Government's former adviser on political violence and disruption, called for tighter restrictions on influencers spreading Iranian propaganda. 'The evidence against Bushra Shaikh is deeply concerning and raises the question of whether the new scheme requiring Iranian agents to register themselves is currently fit for purpose,' he said. 'Iran is conducting a multifaceted campaign against the UK, we urgently need a stronger, better coordinated response to protect our country.'
Government and Media Response
The Home Office said: 'We are clear-eyed about the threats posed by Iran, and our first priority is protecting British interests and British lives both in the UK and overseas. The Government has already sanctioned the IRGC in its entirety, as well as more than 550 Iranian individuals and entities. We will not hesitate to use the powers available to us where activities pose a risk to UK national security. This includes the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. Anyone acting in the UK at the direction of the Iranian state faces a choice, register their activities or risk prosecution.'
The Antisemitism Policy Trust questioned why Ms Shaikh was still being invited onto mainstream media channels to share her views. 'Over the past few days, in the wake of antisemitic terrorism on our streets, the Government has been seeking to draw a line with British values on one side and hateful extremism on the other,' a spokesman said. 'Bushra Shaikh has mainstream media coverage and yet repeatedly amplifies Iranian propaganda while posting anti-Jewish rhetoric that minimises the very threat facing our community. We believe she falls firmly on the wrong side of that line, and should be ostracised and her views shunned and discredited — not offered a platform.'
Ms Shaikh has been contacted for comment.
