The economic crisis and the sidelining of several European countries that once claimed global influence come as a controversial report by the state-aligned Royal broadcaster BBC claims that British ministers are planning to introduce new “counter-terrorism” powers. Under this proposal, the government would be granted legal authority to ban state-linked threats, such as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These new powers would allow the UK government to designate groups affiliated with states as “terrorist organizations.”
The change is expected to introduce new criminal offenses for individuals who support or promote such groups. According to the BBC, these legal powers are set to be included in the government’s legislative agenda and referenced in the King’s Speech on May 13. Members of the Labour Party in the British Parliament have also called on the government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the UK must “deal with malicious state actors” and has proposed that his government introduce the legislation “as soon as possible.” The Jewish Chronicle newspaper quoted him as saying he is “deeply concerned” about Iran’s increased use of proxy forces. The Labour Party had also pledged ahead of the 2024 general election to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
This reported development comes at a time when the IRGC is not a militia group but an official branch of Iran’s armed forces, whose national and popular character within the country’s defense structure is well established; therefore, such a move by the UK is regarded as contrary to international law. On the other hand, given the prevailing economic crisis in Britain, it appears that Starmer is resorting to distraction tactics and reliance on a “Israel- and US-first” policy to deflect attention from domestic decline.
Crisis-hit economy and government inefficiency
Starmer came to power with promises of economic improvement, yet his record is marked by failure and shortfalls—especially as the US–Zionist war campaign, which London also supports, has further deepened this crisis. Reports indicate that amid escalating fuel shortages, a shift toward public transport, and even the possibility of rationing, the British government is preparing emergency plans to address potential shortages in goods and energy—shortages that have emerged following the US and Israeli war against Iran and disruptions to global supply routes.
These measures include reviewing various crisis scenarios, including disruptions in fuel imports, food supplies, and other essential goods. Projections point to a sharp rise in energy prices, fuel shortages, and even reduced availability of certain goods in stores. Broader consequences such as higher inflation, pressure on households, and slower economic growth are also anticipated. This worsening situation has placed Starmer in a precarious position, with The Financial Times publishing an image of him with a red nose outside Downing Street, symbolizing political strain.
It appears that by aligning with US–Israeli demands and manufacturing political distractions, Starmer is attempting to divert public attention from the economic crisis in an effort to slow his political decline.
Public anger over foreign policy
British policymakers’ interventionist actions in Ukraine and, according to the country’s ambassador in Washington, participation in the US–Zionist war against Iran have provoked public anger. Continuing this trajectory, discussions of action against the IRGC have further fueled dissatisfaction. Hundreds of people have protested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a base used by the US Air Force for operations against Iran.
Meanwhile, since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, public anti-Zionist demonstrations have been regularly held across the UK. Under pressure from public opinion, 75 British Members of Parliament have spoken in favor of sanctions against the Israeli regime.
Political confrontation and external pressure strategy
The behavior of British officials suggests they, like the leadership of the White House, have fallen into the trap of prioritizing “Israel first” over “Britain first.” This approach—beyond efforts to gain political power through alignment with pro-Israel lobbying networks—may also be linked to various controversies surrounding individuals close to Starmer.
While British police suppress anti-Zionist demonstrations and public demands to halt arms shipments to Israel are ignored, the UK has quietly shut down a unit that monitored Israeli violations of international law. The Guardian reported that the Foreign Office closed this internal unit, which was responsible for tracking potential violations of humanitarian law in Gaza and Lebanon, citing budget reductions.
It appears that London’s leadership, by intensifying hostile measures against Iran, is seeking to fulfill Israeli demands in order to maintain its position through the support of pro-Israel lobbying networks and by diverting attention from sensitive domestic issues.
Reliance on threats and coercive bargaining
On one hand, Britain claims it is not participating in the US-Zionist war campaign; on the other, by providing weapons and granting military bases to the United States, it is effectively complicit—an involvement that has contributed to a deepening economic crisis at home.
At a time when Britain is aware of its military limitations in the face of Iran’s capabilities and European diplomacy is increasingly being sidelined in global equations, London appears to be resorting to threats, sanctions, and baseless allegations against parts of Iran’s armed forces in an attempt to extract concessions—particularly regarding restrictions related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Tehran has emphasized that it will not yield to any threats or intimidation and that no change in the current situation will occur unless its rights regarding the Strait of Hormuz, an end to hostilities, and the provision of necessary guarantees are secured. Under such conditions, London’s actions will not only fail to achieve any gains, but will further exacerbate its own deteriorating position.
NOURNEWS