World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
UK MP urges tougher action over alleged Iranian threats
Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin accused Iran of a campaign against British interests during a parliamentary debate on national security.
He urged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to consider offensive measures, saying the UK’s actions so far were largely defensive.
At RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, seven men were arrested and released on bail as a potential bomb plot is investigated; the United States withdrew its B-1 bombers from the base in the meantime.
Two Iranians were also arrested over an alleged plan to attack Manchester’s Jewish community.
Mahmood said the government had created a specialist counter-terrorism section to address threats from states such as Iran.
The government also plans to tighten security around military bases and establish a centre to counter disinformation from states.
Mahmood said the UK would work with allies and take appropriate steps to protect the public.
Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin urged the UK government to take tougher action against Iran over alleged threats and plots.
Martin described the activity as a “systematic Iranian campaign” on British soil and said existing measures were largely defensive.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government had created a specialist counter-terrorism section to address state threats.
The UK has imposed sanctions on an IRGC official and summoned Iran’s ambassador, while inquiries into a potential plot at RAF Fairford continue.
Two Iranians have been arrested over an alleged plan to attack Manchester’s Jewish community.
- Who
- Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin urged tougher action; the UK government and Iranian authorities are central to the dispute.
- What
- Martin called for stronger action over alleged Iranian threats and plots in the UK.
- When
- The remarks were made during an urgent parliamentary debate reported on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The debate took place in the UK; alleged incidents include RAF Fairford and Manchester.
- Why
- Martin said UK measures were largely defensive and urged the government to increase the costs to Iran to deter future activity.
Mike Martin
UK government
Measures to deter Iran
Mike Martin
Martin said the government’s measures were largely defensive and urged it to increase the costs to Iran.
UK government
The government said it was taking appropriate steps to protect British interests and had created a specialist counter-terrorism section to disrupt state threats.
Response to alleged threats
Mike Martin
Martin called for tougher action, including signalling that Iran would face greater costs.
UK government
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK would take collective action with allies and protect national interests.
The UK introduced sanctions on the IRGC.
Shabana Mahmood announced a specialist counter-terrorism section to address state threats.
Foreign ministries from almost 30 countries issued a statement condemning Iranian attacks and plots.
The National reported Mike Martin’s call for tougher action during an urgent parliamentary debate.
- MP
- Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat
- Government response
- Specialist counter-terrorism section announced by Shabana Mahmood
- Sanctions
- UK sanctions on the IRGC introduced in July
- RAF Fairford inquiry
- Seven men arrested and released on bail
- Manchester
- Two Iranians arrested over an alleged plan to attack the Jewish community
- International statement
- Foreign ministries from almost 30 countries condemned Iranian attacks and plots
What people are saying
I think it’s safe to say that there’s a systematic Iranian campaign on British soil.
Sometimes offence is the best form of defence, and I wonder whether the Home Secretary has considered that perhaps we need to increase the costs on the Iranians for their actions and considered signalling that fact to the Iranians to deter them from future activity?
Make no mistake: our police and security services are on permanent watch.
smells weakness
Sources
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