The UK government has banned any support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recognizing it as a threat to national security. Violating the new rules carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. This was reported by Sky News, as conveyed by UNN.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the new powers will allow for more effective action against the activities of foreign states on the country's territory.
"Iran and Russia use intermediaries and mercenaries to do their dirty work on our soil. I have promptly added three groups to the list of banned organizations so that anyone working for them can be tracked down and held accountable," she said.
From now on, any support for the IRGC — from publicly endorsing the organization's activities to providing it with assistance — will be considered a criminal offense. The maximum penalty for such actions will be 14 years in prison.
In addition to the IRGC, the British government has banned the activities of the "Islamic Movement of Righteous Companions" (IMCR) and the volunteer corps of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).
According to British authorities, in the past year alone, the MI5 security service has uncovered at least 20 potentially deadly plots linked to Iran. The IRGC is believed to be a key tool of the Iranian state for conducting intelligence activities, using proxy groups, and carrying out influence operations, including against the Jewish community and Iranian dissidents in the UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the country will not allow foreign states to use British territory for intimidation or violence.
"We will never allow Britain to become a platform for states seeking to spread fear, discord, and violence on our streets. The new powers will make it easier to prosecute and imprison those who carry out their dirty work in the UK," he emphasized.
If parliament approves the relevant changes later this week, individuals who commit acts of sabotage, including arson, on behalf of banned organizations could face life imprisonment.