CUFI welcomes the UK Foreign Office’s production of a social media video that says “The UK understand the threat posed by Iran…Israel’s security is out security,” but is curious why this hasn’t led the UK government to ban Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The video begins with the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, being shown Israel’s Iran Dome security system during his visit to Israel this week.
“Behind me is part of the Iron Dome,” Cleverly says, “It’s purpose is to destroy rockets that threaten Israel from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
“This is state of the art technology and it protects regional security and stability.”
Footage is then shown of the cabinet minister’s speech earlier this week at a security conference in Israel.
He then adds: “The UK understands the threat posed by Iran and in a world that faces increased threats from hostile actors, Israel’s security is our security.
“A strong Israel is vital to the security of the region, which is in everybody’s interests.”
Israel’s security is our security. pic.twitter.com/fB3hnDtPnO
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) September 15, 2023
The film makes no reference to calls for the UK government to fully proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Cleverly said was not being planned in answers he gave to journalists this week in Israel.
Pressure has been mounting on the Foreign Secretary to ban Iran’s IRGC with support from across the parties, however he said that it was not in the UK’s best interests, despite options being open.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is said to favour a IRGC ban, hinted that the move is still under consideration by the government as she was questioned on it in the Commons earlier this week.
