LONDON — New British legislation targeting proxies acting for hostile states is expected to take effect next month. The law will make it illegal to express support for designated proxy organizations or receive funds from them.
This legislation was introduced after multiple antisemitic attacks occurred in London. The law aims to address legal gaps that previously allowed state-linked organizations to fund criminal groups for surveillance and sabotage operations. Violations of the new legislation carry a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated, "Where foreign states are found to be engaging in activity that threatens lives or undermines our democratic institutions, we must ensure that such actions have consequences." He also said, "We will not tolerate hostile actors paying petty criminals to do their dirty work."
Britain's domestic intelligence agency reported a 35% increase in state-threat investigations during the previous year. Intelligence assessments identified approximately 20 plots with potential lethal outcomes involving Iranian state support. British authorities have accused Iran, China, and Russia of utilizing surrogate groups to conduct operations, though these countries have publicly denied the accusations.
Police are investigating potential Iranian connections to multiple arson incidents targeting Jewish sites in recent months. Courts have also recently convicted individuals for espionage and acting as agents for Russian and Chinese state-linked organizations. Members of Parliament have advocated for designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a banned organization; however, it remains unclear if it will be included under this new law. Officials anticipate that approximately 10 or fewer proxy organizations will receive designations during the first year the law is in effect.