People who carry out attacks on behalf of Iranian-backed networks in Britain could face prison sentences of up to 14 years under sweeping new legislation expected to be announced in the King’s Speech next week, according to the Times.
The proposed laws would grant ministers the power to designate proxy organisations as foreign intelligence services — a significant measure that would apply even to individuals who may not be fully aware of who is ultimately directing them. Anyone found to have acted on behalf of such groups would be liable for lengthy custodial sentences, marking one of the most significant escalations in the Government’s response to what officials are describing as a growing crisis for Jewish communities across Britain.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of deeply troubling incidents in the capital. In recent weeks, fires have broken out at Jewish sites, a double stabbing in Golders Green has been declared a terrorism incident, and counter-terrorism officers are actively investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in Whitechapel. Police believe some of the incidents may be connected to organised groups operating across Europe, with one organisation having claimed responsibility online for several attacks.
A senior counter-terrorism officer warned that hostile states appear to be exploiting what he termed “violence as a service” — recruiting individuals with little or no ideological motive to carry out attacks in exchange for money. “I have spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies — and we are considering whether this tactic is being used here,” the officer said. “The people who conduct that violence often have little or no allegiance to the cause, and are taking quick cash for their crimes.”
The Prime Minister addressed the threat directly, stating: “One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents. We are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case. Our message to Iran or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society is that it will not be tolerated.”
The Metropolitan Police has responded by deploying an additional 100 officers in a dedicated unit focused on protecting Jewish communities. The force issued a stark warning about what it described as “a deeply concerning convergence” of threats, noting that British Jews now appear on the hate lists of every major extremist movement — from far-right groups and Islamist terrorists to elements of the extreme left and hostile state actors.
Prosecutors have also been instructed to fast-track cases involving antisemitism, with new guidance allowing charges to be brought more swiftly even where some supporting evidence is still being gathered. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said: “It seems there is a pattern of copycat antisemitism taking place. It is important law enforcement steps up and recognises we are in a period of crisis for the Jewish community.”
The Home Secretary pledged that significant funding had been allocated to boost community security, adding: “We will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.” Organisations found to be promoting antisemitism could also face the withdrawal of public funding, as universities and cultural institutions come under mounting pressure to adopt a zero-tolerance approach.
Community leaders have been unequivocal in their alarm. The Chief Rabbi described a recent synagogue attack as “a cowardly arson attack,” warning that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.”
