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Iranian State Threats 2025-03-04
04 March 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for Security
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Immigration
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
The Minister for Security raised concerns about iranian state threats 2025-03-04 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
Today, I am making a statement on the growing threat to the UK from Iran. The regime has become increasingly emboldened and is asserting itself more aggressively to advance its objectives and undermine ours. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents. These threats are unacceptable and must be defended against at every turn. To tackle this threat, we will place the whole of the Iranian state on the enhanced tier of the new foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS). This action will mean that those who are directed by Iran to conduct activities in the UK, such as criminal proxies, must register their actions or face five years in prison. The Home Office will lay regulations before Parliament as soon as possible with a view to having the scheme up and running by the summer. Additionally, we are going further at home by providing training and guidance on state threats activity offered by counter-terrorism policing to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK. We are also exploring new ways to enforce our robust immigration rules to specifically address threats from Iran.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
Is merely requiring registration a strong enough sanction? In January 2023, the Home Secretary called for the IRGC to be prescribed as such when in opposition. Why has this not been followed through?
Minister reply
We are committed to ensuring our intelligence and law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to disrupt and degrade threats from Iran. We will place the whole of the Iranian state on the enhanced tier of FIRS, which means those directed by Iran must register their actions or face five years in prison. On proscription, we do not routinely comment on groups being considered for it but continue to review them constantly.
Dan Jarvis
Con
Redcar
Question
Why has it taken seven months to initiate the review announced today?
Minister reply
The timeline for initiating the review was informed by a need to ensure that we proceed with a thorough and well-informed process, rather than rushing into decisions without proper consideration.
Dan Jarvis
Con
Redcar
Question
Is Jonathan Hall's assessment of the National Security Act sufficient for dealing with Iran?
Minister reply
Jonathan Hall is a credible and authoritative figure who will provide independent advice to the Home Secretary. His review aims to determine whether existing legislation can be adapted or if new measures are needed.
Dan Jarvis
Con
Redcar
Question
Are there more diplomats that we could expel for espionage activities?
Minister reply
The expulsion of diplomats is a serious matter and any actions will be taken based on intelligence and evidence. The Government is committed to protecting national security by taking all necessary measures, including the potential expulsion of individuals involved in hostile activities.
Dan Jarvis
Con
Redcar
Question
Is China being considered for placement in the enhanced FIRS tier?
Minister reply
Today’s announcement specifically relates to Iran and other announcements regarding FIRS will be made at appropriate times.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Leicester South
Question
Can you expedite the review of proscription for state threats?
Minister reply
Mr Hall is efficient and well-organised, and we are keen to support him in completing his work at pace. The Government is committed to doing whatever is necessary to protect Britain from this growing threat.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
How will sanctions regimes be strengthened?
Minister reply
We work closely with partners in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to strengthen sanctions regimes. We are committed to curbing Iran's influence and threat to western democracies.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
How will you work with groups like the Community Security Trust?
Minister reply
We work closely with organisations such as the Community Security Trust to ensure that Jewish communities across the UK are protected from threats on their own shores.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Question
Will the Minister update us on plans announced in the King’s Speech last year for a new Bill on cyber-resilience and on other action being taken to improve our protections in this area?
Minister reply
The National Cyber Security Centre assessed that Iran is an aggressive and capable cyber-actor with powerful disruptive and destructive tools. The NCSC works closely with Government, industry, and international partners to mitigate the cyber-threat from Iran.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Does the Minister agree that our co-operation with the US can continue on the basis of a common mutual interest given President Trump’s attitude towards the Iranian regime? Is he aware of the Intelligence and Security Committee's report and looking forward to its redaction?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister discussed Iran-related matters with President Trump during his recent visit to Washington. The Minister is aware of the Intelligence and Security Committee's report on Iran activities and looks forward to working closely with them to derive benefits from it.
Joe Powell
Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
Question
What are the Government doing to follow the money and disrupt those money laundering networks used by proxies and enablers in the UK?
Minister reply
The Government have appointed Baroness Hodge as anti-corruption champion and are producing an anti-corruption strategy. They also work internationally with partners such as the UAE to tighten screws on illicit finance funding terrorist activity.
Question
Does the Minister agree that this is not just a domestic challenge but one requiring international coalition response?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees it is an international challenge and the UK works closely with partners in the US, Europe, and the region to address these matters.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
How will the Government protect the Jewish community in the UK from Iranian state threats?
Minister reply
The Government maintain funding for protective security measures around synagogues, community centres, and schools. They have committed significant financial support to the Community Security Trust.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Can he confirm that as FIRS operationalizes it will cover more complex situations where individuals act on behalf of an organ without direct instruction?
Minister reply
The Minister assures that the system covers such complexities and recognises today's measures as a significant step forward.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Will he give more detail on training available for police officers to counter actions of the Iranian state?
Minister reply
Work by counter-terrorism police with territorial police forces is already underway, providing essential training to spot and understand risks and threats. This work progresses at pace.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Question
Can reassurances be given about the banking restrictions faced by British-Iranians?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges concerns raised but did not provide specific assurances regarding banking restrictions for British-Iranian residents.
Dan Tomlinson
Lab
Chipping Barnet
Question
Will he explain how the process to consider a proscription-style framework to tackle the IRGC will work?
Minister reply
In opposition, the Home Secretary did not think that existing legislative architecture was necessarily appropriate for state entities like al-Qaeda. Jonathan Hall is working at pace on this matter and we will have more to say in the near future.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Given recent US events, does he share a concern about America's alignment with President Putin?
Minister reply
The relationship with the United States is of huge importance and value. The Prime Minister was in Washington recently to meet President Trump. We place emphasis on the Five Eyes arrangements for operational partnerships.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Will he ensure that we carry on giving Israel support to dismantle Iran's influence in the Middle East?
Minister reply
We invest heavily in our relationships with partners in the Middle East. He is right to attach importance to supply chains, which I will think further on.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
What does considering new ways to enforce robust immigration rules mean specifically in the context of proscribing the IRGC?
Minister reply
We need an independent reviewer and advice on whether proscription is most appropriate. We will ensure protection for Iranians residing in the UK through mechanisms provided by the defending democracy taskforce.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
Will he ensure that the whole of Whitehall brings focus to this issue?
Minister reply
Jonathan Hall is working at pace, and I can give assurances that work will progress rapidly. The defending democracy taskforce involves virtually all Departments.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Is it now time to draw the US's attention to President Putin's overtures towards Iran?
Minister reply
The relationship with the United States is deep and integrated in defence and security, despite disagreements. The partnership arrangement keeps our constituents safer.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Will he review what has been decided by our allies to prevent organisations from carrying out terrorist activities?
Minister reply
We will look closely at the issue raised, and I am happy to discuss it further with the hon. Gentleman.
Shadow Comment
Chris Philp
Shadow Comment
The threat posed by Iran is serious, and we support the Government in listing Iran in the enhanced tier of FIRS. However, I question whether merely requiring registration under FIRS is a strong enough sanction, as seen with our allies who have designated the IRGC as a terror organisation. The Home Secretary herself called for the IRGC to be prescribed as such when in opposition.
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