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Counter Terrorism Policing Arrests 2025-05-06
06 May 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 26
At a Glance
The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis raised concerns about counter terrorism policing arrests 2025-05-06 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 announcing the significant counter-terrorism operations that took place on Saturday 3 May, involving eight arrests across multiple locations in the UK. Five Iranian nationals were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and three more were arrested under the National Security Act 2023. The investigations involve extensive searches at various addresses and are part of larger ongoing efforts to counter state threats and terrorism, including increased focus on Iran's malign activity on UK soil. The Government has taken steps like placing the Iranian state on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme and sanctioning networks involved in violent activities against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime. A series of security assessments are being done or refreshed to ensure a robust response to any national security issues raised by these cases, with ongoing support from international allies.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
The arrests over the past weekend will understandably be concerning for people across the country. As we discuss these incidents, it is important to remember the importance of keeping the British public safe from those who seek to terrorise us and pay tribute to the hard-working members of the police and intelligence services.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the concerns raised by Matt Vickers about the arrests and emphasises the ongoing support for measures that enact the National Security Act 2023. He recognises the work done by previous governments and highlights the importance of keeping the British public safe from those who seek to terrorise them, while ensuring robust responses to national security issues.
Dan Jarvis MP
Con
Constituency: N/A
Question
While thankful for today's statement, I urge transparency regarding the details of these arrests. Can you provide further information about the suspects' immigration status and whether their risk was known to state authorities?
Minister reply
We are committed to providing as much clarity as possible while ensuring operational security is not compromised. The Government will update the House as soon as it is operationally feasible.
Brent West
Question
Have measures been taken to protect Iranian citizens in the UK from pressure exerted by their relatives in Iran when required to report any connections to the regime?
Minister reply
The Government is carefully considering the matter of transnational repression and will have more to say in the near future. We take these concerns incredibly seriously.
Lisa Smart MP
Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Question
Will the Government conduct an audit on assets held by individuals with links to the Iranian regime within the UK? Could you update us on conversations had with Jewish community leaders about threats?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary and I will consider whether further measures are needed. We work closely with the Foreign Office to ensure a joined-up response. Regular contact is maintained with the CST, which does an excellent job in ensuring community safety.
Paul Waugh MP
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Does the Minister agree that we are at war with modern enemies such as Islamist extremism and state-sponsored terrorism, and will never surrender to such threats?
Minister reply
The Government takes these threats incredibly seriously. We will work tirelessly to ensure security services and police forces have the necessary resources and tools.
Karen Bradley MP
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Question
How confident are you that the designation of Iran in the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme will be effective? Are further actions being considered?
Minister reply
FIRS is an important measure, but we must look at these matters holistically. We remain flexible and will not hesitate to take further action if required.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Do we know whether these men entered the country illegally or legally? Is this an opportunity to seek a derogation from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, allowing us to detain and rapidly deport individuals?
Minister reply
There are strict limitations on what can be said about individuals involved in live counter-terrorism investigations. The Minister confirmed that security assessments are ongoing, and the Home Secretary will report back to the House when more details are available.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
Question
What steps are being taken to stop charities in the UK from being used as vehicles for terrorism funding? Will the Minister meet me to further discuss these concerns?
Minister reply
A suite of new measures were brought forward on 4 March to address this threat. The Minister is willing to meet Jon Pearce to discuss the matter further.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Question
Will the Government push European allies to jointly trigger snapback sanctions against Iran as part of a comprehensive strategy?
Minister reply
The Government is clear that they will do everything possible to stand against state-sponsored plots. They are considering working closely with colleagues and partners in Europe and internationally.
Gordon McKee
Lab
Glasgow South
Question
What work is the Home Office doing to protect the UK from ransomware attacks?
Minister reply
The Home Office has concluded a consultation on new measures against ransomware and aims to smash the business models of cyber-criminals. These measures are progressing at pace.
Tom Morrison
LD
Cheadle
Question
Will the Minister commit to providing a timeline for producing the report on IRGC and when we will proscribe that organisation?
Minister reply
Jonathan Hall has submitted his report to the Home Secretary and Dan Jarvis. The report will be published shortly, and the Government will respond in due course.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
What steps are being taken to guarantee the safety of Jewish people throughout the UK?
Minister reply
The Government works closely with the Jewish community and other organisations from the community to provide assurances that they want and deserve, ensuring their safety.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Will the Minister speak with his Foreign Office colleagues about the importance of free broadcasting agencies in intimidating repressive regimes?
Minister reply
The UK's relationship with the United States is important, and the Government will hear the right hon. Gentleman’s point.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Question
How are conversations with allies in Europe and America key to tackling this problem proactively?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary and other Ministers understand the importance of international co-operation, working collaboratively with a range of partners to address these issues.
Matt Vickers
Lab
Stockton West
Question
The hon. Member for Stockton West asked the Minister about the legal basis of withholding information from the public and questioned the timing of the announcement.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that the government was bringing forward a statement to give Members the opportunity to ask questions, and he assured that the Home Secretary will update the House when operationally appropriate without cutting across a live police terrorism operation.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Question
The hon. Member for Burton and Uttoxeter inquired about whether our intelligence and legal frameworks are keeping pace with the growing sophistication of hostile activity on British soil.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that the UK's intelligence and legal frameworks have the necessary resources to prepare for such threats, and he gave a commitment that further powers would be brought forward if there is a need.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
The hon. Member for Exmouth and Exeter East inquired about the EU's rejection of PM’s bid to access the bloc’s crime and migration database and asked if this would stop future threats from Iran and its proxies.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by saying that it is imperative to co-operate closely with allies, including discussing recent events and taking every opportunity to ensure collective organisation against aggressive states.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
The hon. Member for South West Wiltshire asked if the joint comprehensive plan of action was not comprehensive enough in addressing Iran’s actions through proxy groups and terror cells, and whether terrorism would be covered in any agreement with the US.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that they take these matters seriously and will consider further points made about international relations.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Question
The hon. Member for East Londonderry inquired about the issue of how suspects get into the UK, particularly via Dublin to Northern Ireland and mainland GB.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that border security is national security, and that the Home Secretary will look carefully at a number of areas regarding recent events.
Maldon
Question
The right hon. Member for Maldon inquired about the government's determination to defend media freedom, and invited the Minister to visit Iran International to reinforce this message.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that free speech is not materially affected by those outwith the country who wish to silence others, and between them they will look carefully at the invitation extended.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
The hon. Lady for West Worcestershire asked whether Iranian nationals came into the UK illegally or on a legal migration route.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that he would not cut across a live police terrorism investigation and assured that at the earliest available opportunity when it is operationally appropriate to do so, the Home Secretary will provide more details.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
The right hon. Member for The Wrekin questioned why the Iranian ambassador has not been summoned and asked about the immigration status of the Iranian nationals.
Minister reply
The Minister referenced close contact between the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, and stated that Mr Falconer would meet with the Iranian ambassador to discuss these matters.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
The hon. Member for North Antrim questioned border security at the international frontier between UK and Republic of Ireland.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that there is close contact on these matters, and they would not hesitate to act where there is a requirement.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
The hon. Member for Spelthorne inquired about the immigration status of Iranian nationals who were arrested.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that he would not prejudice ongoing inquiries and assured that at an appropriate time, more details will be provided.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The hon. Member Jim Shannon thanked the Minister for his words and raised concerns about the Iranian diaspora in Northern Ireland, who feel threatened by potential attacks from both within and beyond Northern Ireland, including threats from France and Sweden. He asked for a commitment on partnership with the Garda Síochána in the Republic of Ireland to offer support and protection to those individuals.
Minister reply
The Minister responded positively to the hon. Member Jim Shannon's concerns and acknowledged his long-standing record of supporting persecuted communities. The Government has made progress on transnational repression and will work closely with the defending democracy taskforce to ensure all necessary protections are in place for threatened individuals or communities from Iran. He advised anyone feeling threatened to report it to the police and mentioned that he had written to chief constables to ensure training is available for frontline officers.
Shadow Comment
Matt Vickers
Shadow Comment
In response to the minister's statement, Matt Vickers acknowledges the seriousness of the arrests and pays tribute to the hard-working members of the police and intelligence services. He commends the Minister for recognising the work done by previous governments but also highlights the need to support measures that enact the National Security Act 2023 to address malign influences on the country, reinforcing the importance of keeping the British public safe from those who seek to terrorise them.
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