UK to Outlaw Iran’s Revolutionary Guards: A Step Towards Jewish Safety
In a significant move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to bringing forward legislation to outlaw Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in the upcoming parliamentary session in July. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over antisemitism and state-sponsored attacks, with the recent arson attack on Kenton united synagogue in London highlighting the urgency of the matter.
During his visit to the synagogue, Starmer emphasized his determination to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in the UK. He stated, "I want to make Britain a country where our Jewish community feels safe, as they have done for a very long time, and into the future." This assurance comes as the number of British Jews emigrating to Israel has reached a 40-year high, a trend that Starmer aims to reverse.
The IRGC has been a subject of concern for the Jewish community, with the EU listing them as a terrorist organization in January 2023 due to their role in suppressing protests and their brutal repression of demonstrators. The UK government's decision to proscribe the IRGC is a response to calls from community leaders and organizations, who have warned about the increasing sense of insecurity among British Jews.
The Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism, has reported a significant rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 2025 attacks and Israel's war in Gaza. The trust identified 3,700 incidents in 2025, underscoring the need for proactive measures to combat antisemitism.
The legislation to proscribe the IRGC will be a key step in addressing state-sponsored threats and ensuring the safety of the Jewish community. It will enable the UK government to take necessary actions against malign state actors and their proxies, as emphasized by Starmer in his interview with the Jewish Chronicle.
This development is a positive step towards fostering a more inclusive and secure environment for the Jewish community in the UK, sending a strong message of support and solidarity.
