Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will proscribe the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the UK by the end of 2026.

The Iranian regime has long brought horror to the world. Its actions have destabilised the region for decades, sponsored terrorism worldwide, targeted British shipping in the Red Sea, and supported Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to over 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents. We recognise the serious threat posed by the IRGC and will not hesitate to take the most effective measures against the Iranian regime.

It is the Government’s long-standing position, under successive administrations, not to comment on the detail of security and intelligence matters, including whether or not a specific organisation is being considered for proscription. However, we are acting decisively to disrupt threats posed by Iran here in the UK. We have placed the Iranian state on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), meaning that anyone working for or directed by the Iranian state to conduct activities in the UK must declare that activity, or risk up to five years in prison. The National Security Act 2023 also strengthens our powers to counter state threats, including from Iran, and provides the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to deter, detect, and disrupt these threats.

Furthermore, we have committed to take forward plans recommended by Jonathan Hall KC for a proscription-like power for state and state-linked bodies to tackle malign activity more appropriately than is offered under the existing powers. This will enhance our powers to respond to state-based security threats from the most egregious organisations harming the UK.

The UK now has over 550 sanctions against Iranian linked individuals and entities, including the IRGC, which has been sanctioned in its entirety. Over 220 designations have been imposed since this Government came into office. In concert with international partners, we will use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK, and our interests, from state threats.