Committee publication · Correspondence · 16 July 2026
Letter from the Security Minister relating to designation of state threats 13.07.2026
From: Home Affairs Committee
Summary
Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle informs the Home Affairs Committee that the Government will designate three bodies as state threats under the National Security Act 2023: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Iran), the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and the GRU Volunteer Corps (Russia). These are the first designations under the new state threats power, modelled on terrorism proscription but adapted for state-linked actors. Designation creates criminal offences for support or material benefit and strengthens UK enforcement against foreign power threat activity.
Key findings
- First use of Home Secretary's power to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
- IRGC: integral component of Iranian state conducting military operations, cyber activity, and support to militant groups; already sanctioned but designation strengthens enforcement.
- IMCR: emerged March 2026, claimed seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities; publicly condemned by UK and international partners on 10 June 2026.
- GRU Volunteer Corps: Russian military intelligence-controlled formations operating in Ukraine and assessed as direct threat to UK; British nationals may present vector for state threats activity upon return.
- Regulations scheduled for debate in Commons (15 July) and Lords (16 July); if approved, will come into force 17 July 2026.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Dame Angela Eagle, Dame Karen Bradley, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, GRU, Iranian State, Russian Federation
Notable line
“Designation introduces criminal offences relating to supporting, assisting, or obtaining material benefits from a designated body, thereby strengthening the United Kingdom's ability to disrupt and deter state threat activity.”
Key Quotes
“These will be the first designations using the Home Secretary's power to designate bodies that are involved in foreign power threat activity.”
“The IRGC is also linked to cyber activity conducted through proxy actors targeting organisations across multiple countries, including the UK.”
“… the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and the GRU Volunteer Corps I am writing to inform the Committee that the Government will lay draft regulations before Parliament on 13 July …”
“These GRU-linked formations form part of a wider pattern of state threats activity directed at the UK and its interests, enabling cross-border operations, including sabotage, while obscuring direct state involvement.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗