UK Labour Government to Introduce Legislation Targeting Iranian Proxies for Antisemitic Attacks

The UK Labour government plans to introduce new legislation targeting Iranian proxies behind antisemitic attacks on British soil, with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison. The law will enable Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to designate proxy groups as foreign intelligence services, even if members are unaware of the specific foreign country they serve.

GB News reported the measure is set for announcement in the King's Speech next week.

Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden warned that proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps cannot come soon enough amid this crackdown. Speaking to GB News, Holden criticized the government's inaction in protecting Britain's Jewish community, arguing that action could have been taken 18 months ago. He described the country as facing a disgraceful situation with antisemitic attacks.

Holden told GB News there has been significant government inaction over the last 18 months, particularly regarding hate marches that have directly affected the Jewish community across the country. He recalled conversations with his Jewish friends who said they have never felt anything like the current situation in the UK.

Even his older Jewish friends, who lived through the National Front in the 1960s, stated they feel more fear today than at any point in their lives in the UK.

The Conservative MP assured that his party would tackle antisemitism head on, especially on university campuses, without tiptoeing around the issue as he accused Labour of doing. Holden stressed that the Conservatives have been calling for more action for a longer period and have stood behind the Jewish community.

He told GB News: 'I think we've got to absolutely tackle these issues head on, and we're not going to be scared about it as well.

Holden added in his GB News interview: 'I've got spoken to a lot of Jewish friends who said to me they've never felt like this. He emphasized that the crackdown is welcome but highlighted the ongoing fear among Jewish communities. The legislation follows reports of increased antisemitic incidents, with Holden linking them to Iranian regime activities over recent months and years.