Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Foreign Influence Registration Scheme 2025-04-01

01 April 2025 · 12 other contributors

Opened by The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis Lab Labour

Foreign AffairsStandards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis raised concerns about foreign influence registration scheme 2025-04-01 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) will commence on 1 July 2025.
  • FIRS is part of the National Security Act 2023 to counter hostile state activities.
  • Six individuals have been charged for non-compliance since December 2023.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis

Today, I am announcing the commencement of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) on 1 July. FIRS is a crucial part of the National Security Act 2023, designed to address the evolving threat from hostile state activities targeting the UK. Since December 2023, parts of the scheme have been operational and six individuals have already faced charges for non-compliance. The political influence tier will enable transparency on foreign state involvement in the UK’s political system, allowing Members of Parliament to verify whether anyone seeking to influence them acts under foreign direction. Russia and Iran are among the first states to be specified under the enhanced tier due to their significant threat levels. Russia's actions, such as the Salisbury nerve agent attack and cyber-attacks targeting parliamentarians, underscore its designation. FIRS will require registration of activities conducted by entities controlled by these powers. The Government have laid draft regulations before Parliament for debate and will provide comprehensive guidance online to ensure compliance from day one.

Other contributors (12)
  • Chris Philp Con Croydon South

    Question

    Chris Philp questions why the Minister did not mention China and its threats to national security. He notes MI5’s warnings about China's industrial-scale espionage, infiltration of political systems, illegal police stations, and bounties on dissidents. He asks if economic priorities are prioritising over national security when it comes to relations with China.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis acknowledges the importance of FIRS but emphasises that decisions regarding which countries will be specified under FIRS are based on evidence. He states that he will not speculate about future specifications and highlights the Government's consistent, long-term approach in managing the UK’s relationship with China.

  • Robert Jenrick No Constituency Specified

    Question

    The MP welcomed the Minister’s announcement that counter-terrorism police will offer training on state threats activity to all 45 territorial police forces and asked for a further update on the roll-out of this training.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis paid tribute to frontline police officers dealing with consequences of aggressive actions by hostile states. He assured the MP that they are working closely with Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, chief constables, and police and crime commissioners to ensure training is taking place at pace.

  • Lisa Smart LD Hazel Grove

    Question

    The MP questioned whether the Government have plans to generate a human rights and democracy report, conduct an audit on China, and ensure that China is fully considered in the strategic defence review. She also expressed concerns about the proposed Chinese mega-embassy in London.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis assured Lisa Smart that these matters are being addressed across Government departments and that the national security strategy would provide some answers to her questions. He stated that Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary jointly submitted written representations to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the embassy, reflecting considerations of national security.

  • Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy

    Question

    The MP asked for an update on plans announced in the King’s Speech for a new Bill on cyber-resilience and other actions being taken to improve protections.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis assured Melanie Ward that the Government are committed to using all levers to disrupt cyber-threats. He welcomed the plan by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to introduce a cyber security and resilience Bill.

  • Damian Hinds Con East Hampshire

    Question

    The MP asked if definitions of 'at the direction' of a foreign power or specified entity and 'political influence' will be kept under review.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis confirmed that definitions do matter, and they have taken time to think carefully about how best to define these matters. He assured Damian Hinds that regulations and guidance detailing requirements for the political influence tier have been published today.

  • Sally Jameson Lab/Co-op Doncaster Central

    Question

    The MP asked what steps the Minister is taking, along with other Home Office Ministers, to strengthen enforcement of UK immigration law against those promoting hostile state threats in Britain.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis noted that border security is national security. He mentioned progress made on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, an organised immigration summit hosted by PM and Home Secretary, and work being done by the Border Security Commander with international allies.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    The MP expressed concerns about the building of the biggest Chinese communist embassy in western Europe in London. He also asked for an explanation on the differential between penalties faced by people exposed for acting on behalf of a foreign power if they have or haven’t registered.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis reiterated that Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary jointly submitted written representations to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the embassy, reflecting considerations of national security. He did not provide further details due to legal reasons.

  • Cameron Thomas LD Tewkesbury

    Question

    Will the Minister commit himself to releasing a full, unredacted Russia report and an audit on the activities of the Conservative Friends of Russia?

    Minister reply

    The Government’s position on publishing the report is clear. The Minister will consider discussing it further with the hon. Member.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    How might domestic politicians be affected by FIRS, and can you provide more details on the enhanced tier?

    Minister reply

    FIRS will ensure that parliamentarians are informed of any attempts to influence them at the direction of a foreign state. This represents a significant step forward for parliamentary integrity.

  • Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey

    Question

    What does the Minister make of the statement from the Trump Administration regarding tariff decisions and judicial decisions in the UK?

    Minister reply

    The Minister is reluctant to get into specifics but will consider it further and come back with a considered response.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Question

    Why is China not mentioned in the statement today, given its involvement in supporting Russia and Iran?

    Minister reply

    The focus today has fundamentally been on Russia. The Government take these matters incredibly seriously and will consider countries on an individual basis based on evidence-based decisions.

Shadow Comment

Chris Philp

While welcoming the commencement of FIRS, Chris Philp criticises the Minister's silence on China. He highlights MI5’s and FBI’s warnings about China's espionage activities, infiltration of political systems, illegal police stations, and bounties on dissidents. Philp questions why China is not included in the enhanced tier despite clear evidence of its threats. He suggests that economic priorities might be influencing this decision, especially regarding China's super-embassy planning permission.

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