The UK government is preparing to introduce new anti-terrorism powers that will allow it to ban groups backed by states, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran (IRGC). This initiative will be presented in the next parliamentary session, as confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the Kenton United synagogue, in northwest London, which was the target of an arson attack claimed by a group linked to Iran. The proposed legislation will allow the British Executive to designate as terrorist organizations groups supported by foreign governments. The creation of new criminal offenses is planned for those who support or promote entities formally included in the list of state threats. This measure responds to a series of recent incidents that have affected the Jewish community in the United Kingdom, including fires in synagogues and attacks on community ambulances, attributed to Islamist groups with alleged Iranian ties, such as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. The decision to proscribe the IRGC comes after strong pressure from parliamentarians and Jewish community leaders, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who have called for a more forceful response to the growing activity of Iranian agents and their proxies on British territory. According to figures published in 2025 by the Community Security Trust, antisemitic aggressions have increased significantly since the start of the war in Gaza, identifying 3,700 incidents in the last year.
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Prime Minister Starmer has emphasized that the goal is to ensure that the Jewish community can feel safe in the country and has emphasized the need for British society as a whole to perceive the fight against antisemitism as a collective commitment. Starmer stated: “We want to make Britain a safe place for our Jewish community. That implies making it clear that we stand with them”. The leader also showed his concern about the increasing use of proxies by the Iranian regime and promised that the bill will be presented “within weeks” for the start of the July parliamentary session. The British government announces new anti-terrorist powers to ban groups backed by states such as the IRGC of Iran. (REUTERS/Hannah McKay)
The British measure follows the example of the European Union, which in January included the IRGC on its list of terrorist organizations, citing the violent repression of protesters in Iran and its involvement in covert actions outside the country. Australia has also listed it as a state sponsor of terrorism. The IRGC, created to protect the Iranian Islamic system, has consolidated as a force with military, political, and economic influence in Iran and is credited with sponsoring terrorist activities abroad. It is estimated to have tens of thousands of active members. Organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have supported the government’s initiative, noting that the demand to proscribe the IRGC has been promoted for some time from various sectors. Until last year, the United Kingdom had refused to classify the IRGC as a terrorist group, opting instead for a sanctions regime targeting individuals for their activities on British territory. However, the escalation of attacks and concern for the safety of the Jewish community have accelerated the review of anti-terrorism legislation. The Home Office confirmed the plans and reiterated that it will take all necessary measures to protect the citizenry. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirms that the legislation will be presented following recent attacks on the Jewish community in London. Security experts have warned that the ban could have diplomatic repercussions, such as the eventual closure of the British embassy in Tehran, considered key to Western intelligence services. There are also concerns about the implications of designating as a terrorist entity that controls Iranian nuclear materials, which could hinder future collaborations in the event of a regime change in Iran. Despite these reservations, both officials and community representatives believe that the legal reform is an essential step to respond to current threats and provide authorities with more effective tools to pursue those who support or execute influence operations on behalf of foreign interests.
