If You Back the IRGC? or GRU You Could Face 14 years in jail under Britain's tough new security law

Britain has dramatically tightened its crackdown on foreign state threats by making public support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The move marks one of the biggest overhauls of Britain's national security laws in decades and is aimed squarely at hostile foreign powers accused of operating on UK soil.

IRGC formally designated

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was officially designated under the new National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, alongside the Iran-linked Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps.

The designations came into force on 17 July after being approved by Parliament.

Unlike a traditional terrorist ban, the new law targets organisations acting on behalf of hostile foreign governments through espionage, intimidation, sabotage, political interference and violence.

What is now illegal?

Under the legislation, it is now a criminal offence to:

• Publicly support or glorify a designated organisation.

• Encourage others to assist its activities.

• Provide funding or material assistance.

• Receive money or benefits from the organisation.

Anyone convicted could face up to 14 years behind bars.

Those carrying out sabotage, arson or other hostile acts on behalf of the groups could face separate charges under the National Security Act 2023, carrying potential life sentences.

Government: Britain won't tolerate foreign proxies

The Government says the new powers close a major legal loophole by making it easier to prosecute people acting for hostile foreign organisations without always having to prove direct instructions from a foreign state.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would no longer tolerate foreign powers using the UK as a base for intimidation and violence.

"Britain will not become a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood issued an equally blunt warning.

"Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores. We will find you, and we will lock you up."

Why the IRGC?

The IRGC is regarded as one of the most powerful institutions in Iran, controlling significant military, intelligence and political operations.

British authorities accuse its overseas Quds Force of directing plots targeting:

• Iranian dissidents.

• Journalists.

• Jewish communities.

• Israeli-linked organisations.

• Political opponents across Europe.

MI5 has previously revealed it investigated at least 20 potentially lethal Iran-linked plots over a single year.

Iranian-linked group blamed for attacks

The Government also alleges the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right carried out seven attacks in Britain this year, including an antisemitic arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to the Jewish emergency charity Hatzola in north London.

Officials believe the attacks were directed by Iran's Quds Force, although those allegations have not yet been tested in court.

Russia also targeted

Britain simultaneously designated Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, which ministers say recruits individuals online to carry out arson, sabotage, harassment and other hostile operations on behalf of Russian military intelligence.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the use of proxy groups by both Tehran and Moscow as "reprehensible."

A tougher approach

Rather than formally banning the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, ministers have chosen a new legal route aimed specifically at combating hostile foreign-state activity.

The Government believes the legislation gives police and prosecutors stronger powers to disrupt espionage networks, prosecute collaborators and deter foreign governments from using proxy organisations to operate inside the United Kingdom.

The message from Westminster is unmistakable: support hostile foreign-state organisations on British soil, and you could spend the next 14 years in prison.

Just more moralistic censorship, nothing to do with national security. Certainly, funds should not be sent overseas to any militant or terrorist entity but Brits can support anything they wish.

I OPPOSE GENOCIDE!

I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION!