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UK Unveils Plan to Ban Iran Revolutionary Guards
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

UK Unveils Plan to Ban Iran Revolutionary Guards

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • The UK government plans to ban Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) citing national security threats.
  • The proposed legislation would also target related groups accused of attacks against the Jewish community and Russian intelligence proxies.
  • Individuals found supporting these banned groups could face up to 14 years in prison under the new law.

The United Kingdom announced Monday its intention to ban Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security. This move is part of a broader legislative plan that will also proscribe an Iran-linked group accused of orchestrating attacks against the Jewish community in Britain.

Anyone found supporting or assisting these groups will now face up to 14 years in prison.

— Keir StarmerPrime Minister Keir Starmer commenting on the proposed law to ban certain groups.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that anyone found supporting or assisting these designated groups will face a prison sentence of up to 14 years under a proposed law to be presented to parliament this week. The legislation aims to enhance the government's capacity to combat state threats, including espionage and foreign interference, emanating from foreign powers.

The move will step up the government's ability to counter state threats linked to foreign powers including espionage, foreign interference in our democracy, sabotage and physical attacks.

— Home OfficeStatement from the Home Office explaining the purpose of the new legislation.

The Home Office explained that the new legislation grants the government "proscription-like" powers to designate foreign state proxies deemed a risk to Britain's security. This means prosecutors will no longer need to establish a direct foreign power connection in cases involving these designated groups. The announcement follows several antisemitic attacks in London earlier this year, including arson incidents targeting synagogues and community sites.

The United Kingdom has identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on UK soil.

— Angela EagleHome Office minister Angela Eagle providing details in a written statement.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the government's swift action, stating, "Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores." The designation targets three groups, ensuring those working for them will be apprehended and imprisoned. This decision comes after 22 countries, including the UK, US, and European nations, previously blamed the IRGC and its Quds Force for plotting against Iranian dissidents, journalists, and Jewish communities.

The government fast-tracked legislation to bring in new powers after the abhorrent antisemitic attacks in north London.

— Home OfficeStatement from the Home Office explaining the timing of the legislation.
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Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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