Full Breakdown
UK Government Reviews Prospective Proscription of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
4/25/2026, 9:41:26 AM
Current Status and Legislative Review
The Labour government, elected in 2024, has not yet listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, despite a pre-election pledge to do so. Ministers are reviewing legal options, including a new proscription power. The United Kingdom already possesses proscription authority under the Terrorism Act 2000, which has been used to ban groups such as Hezbollah. The prior Conservative administration also refrained from banning the IRGC, citing diplomatic relations with Iran. In 2023 the Conservatives indicated a future ban, but no formal step followed.
Key Actors and Their Positions
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel has criticised the government's inaction. Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced that the administration will introduce a new proscription tool. Independent terror-legislation reviewer Jonathan Hall KC has recommended extending proscription powers to cover state-sponsored organisations such as the IRGC.
Official Government Plans
The government has accepted Hall’s recommendation and plans to draft legislation modelled on existing counter-terrorism powers. Cooper said the new instrument will be stronger than the current National Security Act, allowing tighter restrictions on foreign state-backed entities operating in the United Kingdom.
Opposition Criticism
Patel argues that the United Kingdom is falling behind allies across Europe, Canada and the Gulf, all of which have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist group. She frames the delay as a breach of Labour’s pre-election commitment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on when, or if, new legislation will be introduced. Labour publicly promised a ban before the 2024 election, yet no definitive timetable has been disclosed. The criteria for applying the proposed power and the outcomes of the internal review remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Labour promised action on IRGC proscription but, despite reviews and rising threats, they have failed to deliver.” — Priti Patel, Conservative shadow foreign secretary
- “By way of example, this strong power would be available for use against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," Hall said.” — Jonathan Hall KC, independent reviewer of terror legislation
Future Steps
The Home Office is expected to publish a draft of the new proscription legislation later this year, after which parliamentary debate will determine its passage.
