Listen to the article
Iran’s Influence Network in UK: Labour MPs Call for Government Action
Labour MPs have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take stronger measures against organizations they claim are operating as part of an Iranian influence network on British soil. In a letter addressed to Security Minister Dan Jarvis, the parliamentarians outlined concerns about several charities allegedly linked to Tehran’s regime and criticized what they described as an “inadequate” response from the Charity Commission.
The MPs specifically called for the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), arguing this step is crucial to limiting Tehran’s ability to suppress and kill protesters in Iran. This push comes as part of a broader effort to counter what the government sees as growing Iranian interference in the United Kingdom.
Among the organizations highlighted in the letter is the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), a charity established in 1997 that describes itself as a campaigning and research body pursuing justice worldwide. Despite holding special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, the IHRC has been under statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission since October 2023.
Sir William Shawcross’s 2023 independent review of the Prevent counter-terrorism programme delivered a scathing assessment of the IHRC, describing it as an “Islamist group ideologically aligned with the Iranian regime, that has a history of extremist links and terrorist sympathies.”
“Several senior figures within IHRC have espoused support for violent jihad, expressed sympathy for convicted terrorists, and advocated for the extraction and eradication of ‘Zionists,'” the report stated. It further claimed that IHRC campaigns have supported high-profile associates of terrorist groups including al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
The Islamic Centre of England, based in London’s Maida Vale, was also identified as concerning. This institution has been under Charity Commission investigation since 2022 over allegations it functions as an extension of the Iranian state apparatus.
Scrutiny of the center intensified in January 2020 after it hosted a candlelit memorial for IRGC General Qassim Soleimani following his death in a US drone strike. During the event, attendees reportedly described Soleimani as a “dedicated soldier of Islam” and a “great martyr,” prompting a formal warning from regulators.
Further controversy erupted in October 2022 when the center’s director, Seyed Hashem Moosavi, characterized Iranian anti-regime protesters as “enemies” and “soldiers of Satan,” while claiming women who refused to wear the hijab were spreading “poison.” These statements led to the launch of a full statutory inquiry, which could potentially result in the center losing its charitable status.
David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead and a signatory to the letter, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “I am keen for the Government to move forward with proscribing the IRGC with even more urgency given current events,” Taylor stated. “I would also like to see action by the Government on all the other ways Iran is trying to destabilize the UK, with groups like the IHRC.”
The MPs have also urged Britain to impose financial sanctions on Press TV, Iran’s state broadcaster, noting that the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union have already implemented such measures.
Speaking from Downing Street on Saturday, Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the threat posed by the Islamic Republic to both dissidents and Jewish communities in Britain. “Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
When contacted for comment, an IHRC spokesman dismissed the accusations, stating: “William Shawcross’s ‘review’ of Prevent has been thoroughly debunked as a piece of Islamophobic propaganda. It is more fitting for MPs in this country and the fourth estate to challenge entrenched and institutionalized racism rather than regurgitating it.”
The Islamic Centre of England also rejected the allegations, insisting it operates independently and is not an “official office or representative body of any government, political entity, or individual.” A spokesperson emphasized that the center promotes religious peace and interfaith harmony, adding that its religious guidance is confined to matters of faith, ethics, and spirituality.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
12 Comments
The alleged Iranian influence network in the UK is concerning. I hope the government investigates these claims thoroughly and takes appropriate action to protect British institutions and democracy.
Absolutely, any foreign authoritarian efforts to undermine democracy and freedom of expression in the UK must be swiftly and decisively countered.
The reported Iranian influence network in the UK is troubling. Proscribing the IRGC seems like a reasonable step to limit Tehran’s ability to spread disinformation and suppress dissent.
Definitely, the government needs to take strong action to safeguard against foreign authoritarian influence operations within the UK.
Countering foreign influence operations is important, but we must be vigilant to ensure that legitimate civil society organizations are not unfairly targeted. A nuanced approach is needed here.
That’s a fair point. Preserving the independence and integrity of British charities and advocacy groups should be a key priority.
This is a concerning development. Iran’s influence operations in the UK need to be taken seriously and addressed thoroughly. Alleged links between charities and the IRGC should be thoroughly investigated.
I agree, the government must act decisively to counter any Iranian propaganda or interference activities in Britain.
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While I appreciate the concerns raised, I would caution against overreacting or making unfounded accusations. A balanced, evidence-based approach is crucial.
I agree, any response should be carefully considered and based on solid evidence to avoid unintended consequences or escalation.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific organizations and charities that are allegedly linked to Iran’s regime. Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to foreign influence.
Agreed, the public deserves to know the full extent of any Iranian propaganda or interference efforts in Britain.