Banning Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the UK
Iranian henchmen will finally be banned from Britain today after a wave of attacks on Jewish communities was linked to Tehran’s feared Revolutionary Guards, reports BritPanorama.
The Home Office will outlaw the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for the first time under sweeping new national security powers, making it a crime to support or assist the group. Anyone found backing the IRGC could face up to 14 years behind bars, while those carrying out espionage, sabotage, or foreign interference on its behalf could face life in prison.
The Government will also designate the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and a Russian military intelligence group known as the GRU Volunteer Corps under the new regime. This decision follows a series of arson attacks and intimidation campaigns targeting Jewish communities, journalists, and Israeli interests in Britain and across Europe earlier this year.
The Government reports that IMCR publicly claimed responsibility for seven attacks linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, including the antisemitic firebombing of four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. It is believed members of the IRGC’s elite Qods Force were almost certainly directing the attacks from behind the scenes.
The IRGC has long been accused of plotting intimidation, kidnappings, and assassination attempts abroad, including threats to people in Britain. For years, governments resisted calls to ban the Revolutionary Guards, arguing proscribing the IRGC under terrorism laws would make it impossible to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated: “We will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets. We have already taken tough action against the Iranian regime and those linked to it, and against Russian operatives and networks targeting our country. These new powers will make it easier to prosecute and lock up anyone carrying out their dirty work here in Britain. Anyone acting on behalf of those who threaten our national security should be in no doubt that there is no place for you in Britain. We will find you and you will face the full force of the law.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added, “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.”
The Government indicates that prosecutors will no longer have to prove a foreign power connection in every case, making it easier to convict those acting on behalf of hostile states. In the past year alone, MI5 uncovered at least 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots targeting people in Britain.
Ministers assert that the new powers will help stop hostile regimes from using proxy groups and hired thugs to spread fear on UK streets. The measures are expected to come into force on Friday if approved by Parliament.
This decisive action underscores the British Government’s commitment to address emerging security threats and bolster national resilience against foreign interference and violence.
