Fears of foreign intimidation in the UK soar amid calls for urgent government action

Foreign powers are increasingly audacious in their efforts to silence dissidents residing in the UK, a trend that demands a more robust response from the British Government, parliamentarians have warned. A recent report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights highlights a worrying surge in "transnational repression," where foreign states employ online harassment, legal challenges, and even violence to intimidate individuals on British soil.

According to the report, investigations by MI5 into such threats have escalated by a staggering 48 percent since 2022. Lord David Alton, chairman of the committee, expressed grave concern that this escalating aggression is "going unchecked," thereby risking "undermining the UK's ability to protect the human rights of its citizens and those who have sought safety within its borders."

Lord Alton cited prominent examples, including bounties allegedly placed on the heads of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists based in the UK by China. He also pointed to Iran's intimidation tactics against journalists. Alarmingly, evidence submitted to the inquiry suggests that these high-profile cases might merely represent "the tip of the iceberg."

Recent revelations underscore the severity of the threat. Last month, Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee disclosed that Iran has attempted to kidnap or murder at least 15 individuals residing in the UK since 2022. Russia's long history of targeting dissidents, including the infamous Novichok poisoning attempt on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in 2018, further exemplifies the danger.

While the cross-party human rights committee identified China, Russia, and Iran as the "most flagrant" perpetrators of transnational repression in the UK, the inquiry also unearthed evidence implicating a range of other nations. Countries such as India, Rwanda, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have reportedly sought to target individuals within Britain. Furthermore, Members of Parliament and peers received "substantial" evidence detailing intimidation by the Eritrean government, including surveillance of anti-government activists and infiltration of community groups and churches aimed at isolating opponents of the regime.

The committee also voiced strong criticism of Interpol, alleging that the international policing organization has failed to acknowledge or address the misuse of its "red notices"—international arrest requests—to harass dissidents. Notably, almost half of the 6,550 public red notices currently in circulation have been issued at Russia's behest.

Lord Alton called for a "two-pronged approach" from the Government. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced support and protection for individuals and communities most vulnerable to transnational repression. Concurrently, he urged the Government to prioritize transnational repression in diplomatic relations and to demonstrate international leadership in combating the misuse and exploitation of justice systems to silence and intimidate. The report serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats to human rights and civil liberties within the UK, demanding a robust and immediate response from authorities.

Current Essays, 30 July 2025