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National Security Act 2023 Charges 2025-05-19
19 May 2025
Lead MP
Yvette Cooper
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Asylum & Refugees
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Yvette Cooper raised concerns about national security act 2023 charges 2025-05-19 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Three Iranian nationals have been charged with offences under the National Security Act 2023, marking the first time individuals linked to Iran have faced such charges. The Home Secretary thanked police and security agencies for their work in defending national security and keeping communities safe. She highlighted a series of grave issues related to rising state-backed threats from Iran, emphasising that the UK will not tolerate these activities on its soil. The Iranian ambassador has been summoned, and sanctions are being introduced against the Foxtrot network and other enablers used by Iran for criminal activity. The Government have established a new state threats joint unit, set up to pursue and coordinate action against such threats. Furthermore, Jonathan Hall KC's review of terrorism legislation recommends creating a new power of proscription to cover state threats, which will be modelled on counter-terrorism powers. Counter-terrorism powers at the border are being introduced to strengthen national security, including immigration and asylum system reviews for potential enhancements in addressing criminality or threats. The Prime Minister has committed to publishing a new national security strategy that will set out how the whole of Government and society need to respond to hybrid threats.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
We support the Government’s plans to place Iran into the enhanced tier of the FIRS regime and we will also support moves to increase proscription powers. Can you confirm if there are any further measures being proposed?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed that they are committed to taking forward Jonathan Hall's recommendations, drawing up new powers modelled on counter-terrorism powers in various areas to tackle state threats, including a new power of proscription to cover foreign state-backed organisations.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Question
Why hasn't the Home Secretary proscribed the IRGC as promised in opposition? What measures have been taken against Iranian diplomats suspected of espionage?
Minister reply
The statement highlights that legal difficulties exist under current legislation when trying to proscribe state-backed organisations like the IRGC. The Home Secretary outlines a review by Jonathan Hall KC, which identifies challenges and recommends new powers.
Sally Jameson
Lab/Co-op
Doncaster Central
Question
What is being done to increase resilience against state-backed cyber-attacks?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledges the increasing importance of protecting against cyber-threats and states that work on this will be central in the new national security strategy, recognising the interplay between different threats.
Lisa Smart
Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Question
Can the Home Secretary confirm if planned changes will enable proscription of the IRGC? What are the timetable and pre-legislative scrutiny processes for new powers?
Minister reply
Jonathan Hall's review identifies legal challenges with existing legislation but recommends new powers to address state-backed organisations. The Home Secretary confirms the need for legislative change following appropriate processes.
Luke Akehurst
Lab
North Durham
Question
What assessment has been made of threats posed by Iranian operatives to British Jews? What steps are being taken?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirms an ongoing review and acknowledges the threat but does not provide specific details on protective measures beyond indicating work on strengthening powers as recommended.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
Will the Home Secretary update the House on further steps taken to protect critical national infrastructure from cyber-attacks and ensure security services have adequate resources?
Minister reply
We work closely with the Community Security Trust to support Jewish communities and take seriously any malign Iranian influences. The Government will make a case for additional resources for our security services during the spending review.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
Question
Will the Home Secretary reaffirm that anyone in the UK who fails to declare a relationship with the Iranian regime is committing a criminal offence?
Minister reply
The IRGC has been put on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, and people are expected to abide by this law. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
Maldon
Question
Will the Home Secretary or Minister for Security visit Iran International to send a message about threats towards journalists and their families?
Minister reply
Threats to Iran International, its journalists, and their families are unacceptable. The work of counter-terrorism police and security services in addressing this issue is commendable.
Mike Tapp
Lab
Dover and Deal
Question
Can the Home Secretary update on progress made to intelligence sharing with international partners?
Minister reply
We are working to strengthen international cooperation and information sharing, including checks and security assessments for individuals arriving through irregular means.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that Iran nationals who entered the country illegally should be charged with terror offences?
Minister reply
Our border security is national security. We are strengthening border security, including introducing counter-terrorism powers to address state-backed threats like the IRGC.
Emma Foody
Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Question
Can the Home Secretary assure that police and security services will always have the powers and resources needed to keep us safe?
Minister reply
The Government supports the work of the police and security services, proposing stronger legislation to ensure they can take effective action against threats.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Does the Home Secretary attribute any ease in claiming asylum to the Human Rights Act? How does she plan to address this?
Minister reply
We are strengthening border security with counter-terrorism powers and enhancing checks around criminality across immigration and asylum systems.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Will the state threats joint unit bring a cross-Government approach to work on transnational repression?
Minister reply
The Security Minister will give evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights about the work being done, and the state threats joint unit is looking at various issues regarding tackling threats.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Will senior Ministers work with Five Eyes partners to ensure a comprehensive approach in any nuclear deal negotiations with Iran?
Minister reply
It is essential to prevent further nuclear threats from Iran. The US-led talks are important, and we support them strongly, agreeing on the need for a comprehensive approach.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that measures like the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme are important in deterring malign activity?
Minister reply
We link up work around serious and organised crime, counter-terrorism, and state threats to tackle hybrid threats effectively.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that any Iranians crossing the channel should be detained and deported without being allowed to claim asylum?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary did not explicitly answer this question, but highlighted the importance of combining various security measures.
Hendon
Question
Welcomes the measures announced, and asks for more information on protecting the Iranian community in Hendon from transnational repression.
Minister reply
Agrees that transnational repression is a growing threat. The Government has provided updates on actions taken to support targeted individuals and offer guidance to those facing threats.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
Asks about the summoning of the British envoy in Tehran by Iranian authorities, questioning if this signals a disconnect from reality.
Minister reply
Clarifies that measures have been taken to make clear the unacceptability of state-backed threats on UK soil, including through the foreign influence registration scheme and further actions.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Question
Thanks the Home Secretary for her work and asks about adapting methods to counter changing forms of state-backed agents.
Minister reply
Agrees that adaptation is necessary. The Jonathan Hall report identifies areas where existing counter-terrorism powers should extend to cover state threats, including intelligence gathering capabilities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Pays tribute to the security services and asks about actions regarding young single men claiming asylum who declare war against Britain.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the complexity of different threats dealt with by agencies, including terrorist threats from various ideologies. The Government sees border security as part of national security and is strengthening counter-terrorism-style powers and international cooperation.
Shadow Comment
Chris Philp
Shadow Comment
The shadow Home Secretary thanked the Home Secretary for her statement and pledged support for the Government’s plans to place Iran into the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme. He also committed to supporting measures to increase proscription powers and any other necessary moves to keep the UK safe, reflecting the Opposition's commitment to national security.
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