Jewish communal leaders press Middle East minister over lack of IRGC ban

In May last year, Hall, the government’s independent reviewer of terrorism and state threats legislation, advised ministers to create the ability to “issue statutory alert and liability threat notices against foreign intelligence services, an equivalent to proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000”, which he said would be “available for use against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps”.

Speaking at an event hosted by think-tank Policy Exchange on Tuesday, Hall said it was up to the government when it chose to implement his suggestions.

He told the audience that, in his opinion, existing terrorism legislation “doesn’t apply to state bodies, which is why I recommended they create a new tool”.

The KC continued: “One of the impoverishing aspects of this debate is that there are two things at work: 1) should they do it? 2) should they have the tools?

“I think the answer to the second question is, of course, they should have the tools, and it is a matter for the government – obviously they’ve got a legislative agenda – whether they want to legislate to create the tools, then they can be held to account for not using it.”

Earlier this week, Business Secretary Peter Kyle rejected calls for proscription, telling Times Radio: “We’ve already used the sanctions against Iran to the full extent we can.

"Proscribing [the IRGC] like we do domestic organisations isn’t appropriate," he said, emphasising that the IRGC is a "state organisation", which differentiates it from non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah, with which it has long-term links.

The communal groups also pressed the government on its decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, saying: “We are concerned that key questions remain unanswered five months on from the declaration.”

In July last year, shortly after the announcement was made, the JLC’s chair, Keith Black, wrote to the prime minister expressing concern that recognition would take place while Hamas held living Israeli hostages and would embolden the terrorist group.

He continued: “UK recognition at this time can only be interpreted as a reward for Hamas' campaign of terror.

“While this route fails to help the people of the region, it comes in the context of this war's devastating impact on community relations here in the UK with sustained high levels of antisemitism.”

Following the meeting, Falconer said he recognised the “untold challenges” faced by Jewish communities in the UK and across the world.

“Last year, we saw horrific attacks where Jews were targeted and killed for being Jewish in Bondi, DC, Colorado and, of course, here in Manchester.

"I am completely committed to stamping out the scourge of antisemitism and we can only tackle it by listening to those who bear the brunt of this challenge.”

He went on to say that the government “will not tolerate antisemitism in any form and are taking key steps to root it out”, including increased funding of security at Jewish communal institutions.

Falconer continued: “As the minister for the Middle East, I am acutely aware of how events in the region affect communities here in Britain. The experiences and strength of the hostage families I’ve spoken to will stay with me.

"This government will continue to push tirelessly for the last remaining hostage to be returned and to ensure Hamas can never again inflict such pain on Israel and Jewish people.

“There is more to do. As a government, we have committed to further action to build social cohesion and counter extremism across the board.

“I will continue to meet with Jewish communities across the UK to ensure their concerns are heard as we work towards a Britain where Jewish people can live and worship without fear.”