UK must stop playing nice with Iran – they are sending people here to kill us

UK must stop playing nice with Iran – they are sending people here to kill us Britain is under threat from Iranian cells who came here illegally - it is time to get tough on Tehran, says Bob Blackman Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Bob Blackman 13:26, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Updated: 14:02, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Missiles locked: Pair of Iranian missiles in front of Mojtaba Khamenei image (Image: Getty) In recent weeks seven British and Iranian-British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack against RAF Fairford. They have since been released on bail under strict conditions, but remain under investigation. On September 20, two Iranian nationals were arrested in Manchester and charged with preparing a terrorist attack against the city’s Jewish community. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT On September 30, Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged that “there are strong indications that Iran played a part” in what happened at RAF Fairford. This is no longer about threats to our national security and interests thousands of miles away. It is about the safety of our people, and the first duty of any government is to protect its citizens. Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . For decades, Britain and its Western allies have sought to contain or moderate the Iranian regime through engagement, diplomacy and economic incentives. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT As Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran , a coalition of democratic opposition groups, has pointed out, over the years the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) have exploited Western permissiveness to expand their terrorist networks across Europe, with the assistance of the regime's embassies and other missions. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Recent arrests in the UK are a testament to the failure of the UK’s soft-line approach. The time has come for a more assertive policy that prioritises British security and interests over hopes of reforming the regime. And nothing serves the UK’s interests more today than a genuinely democratic government in Iran elected by and accountable to the Iranian people. The nationwide uprising earlier this year, the fifth since 2018, showed the Iranian people’s desire to fight for change, a demand the UK and its European allies recognised in a joint statement in August. The regime responded with a brutal crackdown which, according to UN experts, amounted to crimes against humanity. But the protests were not destroyed. They became more organised and coordinated. Today, there is every indication that another popular uprising is on the horizon. Tehran sees it coming, which is why it has resorted to a wave of political executions on a scale unseen since the 1980s, when it launched mass executions against Iranian society. Today, the regime has executed at least 46 political dissidents, including many members of the main Iranian opposition movement, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and activists arrested during the January uprising. At least 100 more, including many women, are currently on death row. When the next uprising happens, the UK should encourage its success. If only to strike a blow against the regime that employs executions, terrorism and hostage-diplomacy as routine instruments of statecraft. The Iranian people’s desire to overthrow it, is inherently justified, righteous, and deserving of Western support. Conscription age limit for men as UK told 'prepare for war' Over 150 schools evacuated after 'Islamist bomb threat' as parents told 'come immediately' Prime Minister Burnham should spearhead a new, assertive policy towards Iran before it is too late. A properly assertive policy would also entail tightening security around British and American military bases. Change should begin with the full proscription of the IRGC, which the UK has been dragging its heels on for years. This measure should be backed by a coordinated response with European allies to close Iranian embassies, diplomatic missions and cultural institutions that serve as instruments of recruitment and planning for the IRGC and MOIS, in cooperation. Those Iranians and foreign elements posing threats to public safety by acting on behalf of the regime must be expelled. Existing sanctions must be enforced without exception and expanded with regime officials responsible for terrorism and crimes against humanity. The United Kingdom must also sever diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic, sending the unequivocal message that a regime which threatens British lives, property and interests cannot still enjoy goodwill from the very country it seeks to harm. Bob Blackman is a Conservative MP and Chairman of the 1922 Committee. 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