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Jewish Leadership Council’s statement on the government’s response to the war in Iran
“It is astonishing that even after the Iranian regime’s apparent targeting of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the government has emphasised its decision not to become directly involved in responding to this threat. At a time of escalating regional instability, we believe the UK should take clear and robust steps to address the threat posed by the Iranian regime.
The Prime Minister has acknowledged that Iran’s aggression towards Britain and our interests is long-standing. Yet, as our allies in the United States and Israel are confronting this aggression, the UK consistently fails to take meaningful action.
In the last two years, the regime’s capability and willingness to target Israel directly has become increasingly clear, as large-scale missile and drone attacks have been launched against Israel, many of which have struck or threatened civilian areas. Iran continues to strike not only military targets, but economic infrastructure across the region, with no regard for civilian casualties.
This is a fast moving and challenging situation but the government’s approach to responding to a regime which actively targets Jews, Israelis and Iranian dissidents on UK soil is a matter of serious concern.
Iran remains the leading state-sponsor of terrorism.
Its threat is not confined to the Middle East; it operates networks across the world including in the UK. The Intelligence and Security Committee report published last year revealed that since 2022 Iran has attempted at least 15 assassination or kidnapping operations against individuals based in the UK.
It has now been nine months since the then Home Secretary promised to create a new power of proscription to cover state threats such as the IRGC. The government must introduce emergency legislation at the earliest opportunity to implement Jonathan Hall KC’s recommendations and finally proscribe the IRGC.
This is not a moment for complacency. We expect the government to act to defend Britain’s national security, and the safety of those targeted by this regime.”