Britain announces that a new law aimed at cracking down on proxies acting for “hostile” foreign states will take effect next month. The measure is presented as part of an effort to address what the UK says is a growing threat from state-linked groups carrying out activities through other actors.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will ensure consequences when foreign states are found to engage in conduct that threatens lives or undermines democratic institutions. The government also characterizes the law as a way to prevent hostile actors from using “petty criminals” to carry out actions indirectly.
Reporting linked to the announcement says the new powers, which had been promised after a series of antisemitic attacks in London, are intended to close a legal gap. The changes focus on the ability to target organisations connected to foreign states that pay organised crime groups or lower-level offenders to conduct tasks such as surveillance, sabotage, or other activities on their behalf.
The UK does not in the announcement provide additional details on enforcement, scope, or specific cases.
