Minister announces plans to raise measures against Russian threats to highest level
According to security minister Dan Jarvis, ‘Russia poses a significant threat to UK national security.’
Russia will now be placed on the highest level of a government initiative designed to safeguard the UK from harmful foreign influence, as announced by security minister Dan Jarvis.
The country will be included in the ‘enhanced tier’ of the upcoming foreign influence registration scheme (Firs), a category reserved for nations that jeopardize the UK’s safety.
This means that anyone instructed by Russia to engage in activities within the UK must disclose it or risk facing a five-year prison sentence.
Jarvis stated: “Russia poses a significant threat to UK national security.
Over the past few years, their hostile actions have included using a deadly nerve agent in Salisbury, espionage, arson, and cyberattacks, including targeting UK lawmakers through spear phishing campaigns. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine further demonstrates its intention to undermine European and global security.”
He explained that the enhanced tier of the scheme will promote transparency regarding a wide range of activities and serve as a crucial tool in detecting and thwarting ‘harmful activity against our country.’
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Jarvis emphasized that anyone involved in activities instructed by a range of Russian state entities, including the head of state, armed forces, and intelligence services, must register with Firs.
“We also plan to identify several political parties that are under Russian control, including the United Russia party,” he added.
Initially scheduled for 2024, Firs’ implementation has been delayed by the new Labour government.
Jarvis informed MPs that the registration scheme will launch on July 1, with a three-month grace period for existing ties to be registered and assistance provided to affected sectors like business and academia to prepare for its enforcement.
Following Iran’s inclusion in Firs earlier this month, pressure has mounted on ministers to designate China as well.
Opposition home secretary Chris Philp welcomed Russia’s placement in the top tier of the scheme but questioned the absence of China.
Describing China as the “elephant in the room,” Philp urged for China to be included in the enhanced tier due to its industrial-scale espionage and attempts to infiltrate various sectors in the UK.
Jarvis refrained from speculating on which countries would be included in the future and reiterated the government’s strategic approach to managing relations with China.
