STORY
The Government has formally designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026. The Home Office said the designations were intended to protect the safety of the United Kingdom.
The new powers make it a criminal offence to support, assist or accept a material benefit from the designated bodies. Ministers said those convicted of the offences could face up to 14 years in prison, while more serious hostile activity on behalf of the groups could lead to longer sentences.
The designations are the first made under the new state threats regime. The Government said the measures would strengthen the ability of police and prosecutors to deal with hostile activity linked to foreign powers, including espionage, sabotage and interference in democratic life.