Starmer plans new powers to ban state-backed terror groups

The UK government aims to enact new measures targeting state-backed terrorist entities, with the potential to formally classify organizations like Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as terrorist groups. These legal reforms are expected to introduce fresh criminal charges for individuals endorsing or promoting groups designated as state-linked threats. The proposed changes will be unveiled in the King’s Speech on 13 May, as part of upcoming legislative plans.

Established to safeguard Iran’s Islamic regime, the IRGC has evolved into a central pillar of the country’s military, political, and economic systems. With thousands of active members, it has faced repeated accusations from Western nations for financing terrorism abroad. Recent incidents in the UK and Europe, including an attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London, have intensified calls for its designation as a terrorist organization.

Labour MPs have pressed for the IRGC’s ban following a surge in antisemitic attacks since the Iran conflict began. An Islamist group with alleged Iranian ties, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, claimed responsibility for the London incident. Meanwhile, several European nations and the EU have already added the IRGC to their lists of proscribed terrorist organizations.

“We must address malign state actors, and legislation will enable us to take decisive action,” said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasizing the urgency of the measure. He also expressed concern over Iran’s increasing reliance on proxies, such as Hezbollah, which has already been banned under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The prior Conservative administration avoided proscribing the IRGC, citing ongoing diplomatic ties with Iran as justification. This stance has been criticized by Labour, which had pledged to act against the group before the 2024 general election. However, once in power, the Labour government delayed the move while reviewing strategies to counter state-associated entities.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the UK already has tools to outlaw organizations. Yet, last year, independent reviewer Jonathan Hall KC recommended strengthening these provisions to combat state-sponsored threats. His report suggested new powers comparable to existing counter-terrorism mechanisms, enabling targeted restrictions on foreign-backed groups. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed that the government had adopted Hall’s proposals, pledging to expand proscription capabilities for state-linked actors.