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Starmer plans new powers to ban state-backed terror groups
Ministers plan to introduce new anti-terror powers to ban state-backed groups such as Iran's IRGC. The change would create criminal offences for supporters of listed state threats and draws on earlier recommendations and Labour's pre-election promises. The legislation is expected to be advanced in the next parliamentary session.
Why It Matters
The move could significantly expand UK powers to proscribe state-backed organisations and regulate associated activities, affecting Iran-linked groups and state proxies in the UK.
Timeline
6 Events
Starmer pledges to bring forward anti-terror powers in the next session
April 24, 2026
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK must deal with malign state actors and indicated the government would bring forward legislation to ban state threats as quickly as possible, with aims to act in the next parliamentary session.
Cooper outlines drawing up new powers modeled on counter-terrorism measures
May 2025
In May last year, Cooper said the government would draw up new powers modelled on counter-terrorism powers to tackle state threats and create a new power of proscription for foreign state-backed organisations in the UK.
Cooper accepts Hall’s recommendations
May 2025
Yvette Cooper, then-home secretary, said the government had accepted Hall's recommendations.
Hall KC recommends state-threat proscription powers
May 2025
In a report, Jonathan Hall KC recommended a law change to give the government powers equivalent to proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 to tackle state-sponsored organisations such as the IRGC.
Labour promises to proscribe IRGC before 2024 general election
2024
Labour promised to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation before the 2024 general election.
Conservative government suggested proscribing IRGC in 2023
2023
The article notes that the previous Conservative government suggested it would proscribe the IRGC in 2023 but did not proceed.