The Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Prime Minister’s Office introduced the National Security (State Threats) Bill to Parliament on 9 June, giving the Home Secretary new powers against foreign state-linked organisations and proxy groups. Subject to parliamentary approval, the government said the powers could come into force as early as next month and carry penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
The legislation was introduced in Parliament after the government said it would fast-track new measures following a recent wave of antisemitic attacks in the UK. Ministers said the bill is designed to address hostile activity carried out by foreign states, organisations and people acting on their behalf.
The proposed powers would apply across the UK security system, supporting police and intelligence agencies in disrupting hostile activity on UK soil. The government cited criminal damage against Jewish communities, targeting of dissidents and the use of organised crime groups as examples of the threats being addressed.
New powers introduced to counter state threats
The National Security (State Threats) Bill is intended to give the Home Secretary powers to designate foreign state organisations and state-linked groups that threaten national security. The government said this would allow stronger action against groups acting for, or with support from, hostile foreign states.
The bill is framed around activity that affects public safety, democratic institutions and the security of communities in the UK. Ministers said the measures are designed to address foreign states using indirect methods to avoid responsibility for hostile acts.
- Designation power: the Home Secretary would be able to identify organisations that pose a threat to national security.
- Proxy activity: the bill targets groups or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state-linked organisation.
- Operational response: police and intelligence agencies would receive stronger powers to disrupt and deter hostile activity.
Why the bill is being fast-tracked
The government said the legislation is being accelerated after recent antisemitic attacks left British Jewish communities feeling unsafe. The Home Secretary confirmed the bill would be fast-tracked while live investigations and criminal proceedings continue.
Subject to parliamentary approval, the government expects the new law to come into force as early as next month. Ministers said the Home Secretary would be able to use the powers immediately if she judged that action was necessary.
How the new offences would work
The bill would create a criminal offence for anyone who expresses support for a designated organisation. The government said this would include glorifying activities that threaten the UK.
It would also be an offence to assist or receive payment from a designated organisation. Ministers said this is intended to address foreign states outsourcing hostile activity to proxy groups, including organised crime groups.
- Support offence: applies to expressions of support for a designated organisation.
- Assistance offence: applies to people helping a designated organisation carry out hostile activity.
- Payment offence: applies to people receiving money from a designated organisation.
- Maximum penalty: anyone convicted could face up to 14 years in prison.
Police and intelligence powers
The bill mirrors offences from the National Security Act 2023, allowing designated groups to be treated in the same way as a foreign intelligence service. The government said this would help disrupt harmful acts conducted through proxies.
Police and intelligence agencies would be able to use the measures to deter people from acting for hostile state-linked groups. Ministers said the powers would support prosecutions and provide stronger tools where foreign state involvement is hidden.
Scale of the threat cited by government
The government said state-backed aggression on UK soil has increased and become more varied. It cited MI5 figures showing state threats investigations increased by 35% as of last year.
Ministers also said MI5 tracked 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots last year alone. The government linked the proposed legislation to a wider pattern of threats to life and the increased use of proxy groups.
State Threat Indicators Cited By Government
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| MI5 state threats investigations | Up 35% | The government said investigations had increased as of last year, reflecting a growing state threats workload. |
| Iranian-backed plots | 20 tracked last year | The government said MI5 tracked 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots during the year. |
| Proxy group use | Increasing | Ministers said foreign states are making greater use of proxies to conceal involvement in hostile activity. |
Bill builds on existing state threat powers
The government said the legislation expands measures already introduced through the National Security Act 2023 and the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. Ministers said the new powers are intended to address situations where hostile foreign states use intermediaries, criminal groups or proxy organisations to conceal their involvement in activities targeting the UK.
Ministers also cited new training for front line police officers and a record £600 million in additional funding. The government said these measures are intended to help the UK respond to the growing scale and complexity of hostile foreign activity.
Related National Security Measures
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| National Security Act 2023 | Already in force | The government said the new bill mirrors offences from the 2023 Act to support action against proxy activity. |
| Foreign Influence Registration Scheme | Introduced | The government said the scheme increases transparency around covert influence in UK democracy. |
| Additional security funding | £600 million | Ministers said record additional funding is being invested to support national security work. |
Ministerial Comments
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister said;
“Where foreign states are found to be engaging in activity that threatens lives or undermines our democratic institutions, we must ensure that such actions have consequences.”
Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary said;
“Foreign states are becoming ever more aggressive – attacking our communities, our way of life, and our institutions – and hiding their tracks behind proxies. We must adapt to keep pace.”
Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary said;
“The new law we are introducing today will enable us to take the strong action required against those foreign adversaries seeking to undermine the UK’s security, interests, and values through covert means.”
The National Security (State Threats) Bill sets out new powers for ministers, police and intelligence agencies to act against foreign state-linked organisations and proxies. The government said the legislation responds to hostile activity affecting UK communities, democratic institutions and national security. The bill remains subject to parliamentary approval before the powers can be brought into force.
Sources: Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer, Shabana Mahmood, Yvette Cooper.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
