MI5’S boss has warned the UK is under threat from proxy attacks on behalf of hostile states — as new legal powers mean banned groups can now be treated like terrorists.
Director General Sir Ken McCallum welcomed a law which means groups such as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps can finally be outlawed.
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are suspected of sponsoring terrorism abroad and using proxies to carry out attacks in Europe Credit: AP
MI5’s Director General Sir Ken McCallum Credit: PA
The IRGC is suspected of sponsoring terrorism abroad and using proxies to carry out attacks in Europe, including in the UK.
This year, a series of arson attacks on Jewish targets in North London were believed to have been carried out by those with links to Tehran.
Sir Ken said: “The UK is under threat from state actors intent on doing us harm.
“Including by using thuggish tactics like arson, sabotage and physical violence to target people and businesses and disrupt our way of life.
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“Building on the important powers in the National Security Act 2023, which are already being heavily used, this legislation introduces new measures.
“They will help us tackle the growing threat from proxy organisations.
“These are being increasingly used by states attempting to deniably target the UK.”
Last month, PM Sir Keir Starmer pledged to proscribe the IRGC.
The National Security (State Threats) Act came into force yesterday.
The Government say it means it is now a crime to “express support for a designated organisation”, and supporters or those paid by such groups will face courts.
