Barnet Council leader backs crackdown on groups linked to Iran

Barry Rawlings says he supports the government’s move yesterday to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right

Hendon Town Hall and (inset) Barry Rawlings — Council leader Barry Rawlings

The leader of Barnet Council has supported the government’s decision to ban two groups associated with Iran.

Barry Rawlings’ statement comes after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced yesterday that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) would be proscribed, meaning that it will be a criminal offence to support them.

The groups are suspected of involvement in multiple recent attacks on the Jewish community, including the attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on 23rd March.

Cllr Rawlings said: “MI5 has identified at least 20 Iranian-state backed plots against people in the UK, and the IRGC is a particular threat to the Jewish community and Iranian dissidents.

“The IMCR meanwhile claimed responsibility for the Hatzola ambulances arson in April among other attacks.”

He added: “Barnet is the local authority with the greatest number of Jewish and Iranian residents in the country.

“It is right that supporting or assisting these groups that threaten harm to our residents, will now mean long custodial sentences. We thank the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, for taking action.”

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