Three groups backed by Iran and Russia have been outlawed in the UK under new proscription-style powers designed to combat state threats. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps are now listed by the government, making support or assistance punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Acts of sabotage on behalf of these groups can lead to life imprisonment.
IRGC Linked to Attacks on British Soil
The IRGC has been linked to multiple attacks in the UK. According to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, IRGC members were “sitting behind” the IMCR and “almost certainly” directed attacks across Europe. The IMCR publicly claimed responsibility for seven attacks in the UK, including the March 23 antisemitic arson incident on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London, as well as attacks on Finchley Reform synagogue and offices of a Persian-language media organisation in Park Royal.
GRU Volunteer Corps and Salisbury Link
The Home Office describes the GRU Volunteer Corps as a “formal group of volunteers and mercenary-style formations” controlled by the GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency. Government assessments indicate it is “involved in foreign power threat activity, including sabotage and other activity directed against the UK.” The GRU is also believed to be behind the 2018 Salisbury Novichok attack, which killed Dawn Sturgess and seriously poisoned three others.
Political Reactions
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government would “never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets.” He added: “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.”
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel called the announcement “welcome, but long overdue.” She said: “Conservatives offered to work with ministers to pass emergency legislation, but Labour dithered and delayed. The government must urgently explain how this designation will be enforced, and on what timetable.”
Background and Enforcement
The designation of the IRGC as a state threat follows years of campaigning. Cooper committed to creating new laws in May 2025, citing a “backdrop of rising numbers of Iran-linked operations on UK soil where there have been repeated warnings by ministers, the police and our security and intelligence agencies.” The new powers mirror terrorism proscription rules, with penalties including 14 years for support and life imprisonment for sabotage.
