Israeli desperation is apparent… rearguard actions to control the narrative in the UK

Department of Research and Strategic Studies 24-06-2026

The IRGC is “the head of the snake that controls terrorism around the world”

Last Wednesday the UK Government pushed the new National Security (State Threats) Bill through all of its House of Commons stages in a single day – a procedure normally reserved for the most urgent matters.

The Bill has been introduced to counter the increasing threats to the UK from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other hostile state-linked groups. Senior Conservatives criticised the amount of time it has taken for Ministers to agree on the legislation and the fact that it is now being rushed through Parliament.

But Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alicia Kearns also made clear that Conservatives support the Bill and want to see the IRGC designated as a terrorist body: “In the face of that national emergency, and attacks on our Jewish communities, a Bill that confronts hostile state activity on British soil is not just welcome but overdue.” But she warned that changes should be made to the Bill to make the powers more effective.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden added in a powerful contribution: “I have the privilege of representing one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. For that community, this is not just an abstract debate about legal architecture; it is real. It is about whether people feel safe at synagogue. It is about whether parents feel confident in sending their children to Jewish schools. It is about whether community centres, charities and places of worship can operate without fear.”

“The Jewish community has long seen the malign role of Iran and its proxies. After the terrible spate of recent attacks, they live in a different world—one in which fear and intimidation have deepened and intensified near to breaking point. I therefore hope that the Government genuinely understand that fear and that they will use the powers granted by the legislation to act and to act fast.”

Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat added: “When we see Jews under threat, when we see Jewish homes frightened, when we see Jewish sites vandalised—as sadly we are seeing too much—we know what is coming, and what is coming is not pretty.” He also warned about gaps in the legislation: “while it is welcome, it makes that tragic error that we often make in this place… which is to seek the rapid answer rather than the complete one.”

CFI Vice Chair Bob Blackman, who has been calling for tougher action against the IRGC for more than 15 years, described the IRGC as “the head of the snake that controls terrorism around the world” and highlighted the role it played in giving a green light to the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.

The Bill has now passed to the House of Lords where it will be given priority passage.

Shadow Culture Minister visits Nova Festival

Last week Shadow Culture Minister Louie French MP visited the Nova Music Festival Exhibition currently taking place in Shoreditch to see the powerful and moving account of what unfolded at the festival during the events of 7th October 2023. Louie had visited Israel with a CFI delegation shortly before the 7/10 attack.

During the visit, Louie met with organisers and attendees to learn more about the impact of the attack and the importance of ensuring that the stories of the victims and survivors continue to be told. The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the need to stand firmly against hatred and violence in all its forms.

A particular highlight of the visit was hearing from one of the Nova survivors, whose personal testimony offered a moving and deeply human perspective on the events of 7 October and their lasting impact.

Bob Blackman MP, who also visited the exhibition recently, spoke about it during a speech in the Commons: “I had the opportunity to visit the Nova exhibition, which I recommend all colleagues visit. It is very personal for the individuals involved. I had the opportunity to listen to and speak to a survivor. Those terrorist operations were inspired and ordered by the IRGC and directly communicated from Iran. That is the threat posed not only to Israel, but to UK citizens. People from around the world went to that festival just to hear music, dance and have good company. That threat can come to this country unless we take action.”

MPs condemn antisemitic “pro-Israel influence” debate

Conservative MPs led the cross-party condemnation of a parliamentary debate yesterday that was triggered by an e-petition calling for a public inquiry into “pro-Israel influence on politics and democracy.”

The petition, launched earlier this year, cited concerns about the UK’s response to the Gaza conflict and urged scrutiny of pro-Israel advocacy efforts. It attracted 118,000 signatures; enough to trigger a debate in Westminster Hall.

The Government had already issued a formal response rejecting the call for a public inquiry, stating that it takes foreign influence and lobbying seriously but does not support a specific inquiry into pro-Israel influence.

The debate was led by Conservative MP John Lamont who is a member of the Petitions Committee which adjudicates on whether e-petitions have met the procedural requirements.

At the start of the debate the former Deputy Foreign Secretary Sir Andrew Mitchell called a Point of Order: “Am I alone in feeling distinctly uneasy about this debate? Why is Israel singled out in this way? Why not Gulf countries, Iran, eastern Europe or the USA? The petition is being discussed at a time when the Jewish community are clearly under threat and are suffering numerous hideous attacks. I am not sure I trust the motivation of the petition organisers. I fear the whole thing smacks of an antisemitic conspiracy theory.”

John Lamont used his opening speech to also criticise the petition “and the sinister narratives upon which it draws”, stating that the debate “raises important questions not simply about foreign influence or political advocacy but about the boundaries between legitimate political criticism and conspiracy theories that have historically fuelled antisemitism.” Check out a clip from his speech here.

Mike Wood, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, was clear that “His Majesty’s Opposition firmly reject the premise of the petition and any suggestion that Israel – or any British organisations expressing solidarity with it – represent a malign or covert influence on British politics and democracy.”

“To suggest that open and transparent advocacy by British citizens and established communal organisations constitutes an improper or malign conspiracy is not only factually incorrect but treads into deeply troubling territory.”

“Our political system is built on open, transparent advocacy. Members of this House regularly engage with a wide variety of groups to understand complex international issues, and we recognise and value the long-standing, transparent activities of groups such as Conservative Friends of Israel and Labour Friends of Israel, which work openly to foster strong bilateral ties, trade and security co-operation between the United Kingdom and a democratic ally.”

“While this petition asks us to chase shadows and investigate legitimate domestic advocacy, it distracts from the very real, pressing and deeply dangerous threats of foreign interference that our security services warn us about every single day. The greatest threat to British politics and democracy comes not from democratic allies or British community groups, but from hostile foreign state actors, most notably China and Russia.”