Think-tank warns of threat to UK security and values from Iran's regime-sent radical clerics
- In Reports
- 02:54 PM, Apr 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
A think-tank has issued a warning, stating that Iran is endangering Britain's security and values by dispatching radical regime-sponsored clerics to a 'nerve centre' located in west London.
A study conducted by Policy Exchange has revealed that the hardline Islamic Republic of Iran has devoted decades to establishing a politico-religious infrastructure in Britain. This infrastructure primarily centres around the Islamic Centre of England (ICEL), a registered UK charity situated in a converted cinema in Maida Vale.
The study suggests that Iran is using the centre as a platform to undermine British values and promote blasphemy codes. It highlights that the director of ICEL is appointed by Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, implying that the centre is not simply a religious institution but plays a central role in a significant network of Iranian influence operations within the country.
The Charity Commission is conducting a statutory inquiry into ICEL, which declares its charitable objective as advancing Islam, education, and providing social and religious welfare facilities.
The Charity Commission initiated its inquiry in November 2022 following an official warning issued to the charity in 2020. This warning stemmed from two events at the centre that praised Iranian military commander General Qasem Soleimani, who was under UK sanctions and killed in a US air strike.
According to a report titled 'Tehran calling: The Iranian threat to the UK', senior clerics loyal to the Iranian regime have been able to travel freely between Tehran and London, despite instances where Iran detained British citizens like Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
The UK has traditionally granted visas to Iranian clerics to operate in the country, with approximately 100 such visas issued between 2005 and 2022.
The report also criticises MI5 for allegedly neglecting its primary task of counter-subversion while Iran attempts to influence various sectors in the UK to serve its own interests.
Policy Exchange has urged the Home Secretary to take immediate action to counter Iranian subversion in the UK. The think-tank has called for the Home Office and Security Service to intervene urgently in response to concerns raised in their report.
Additionally, they have advocated for stricter measures regarding the issuance of UK visas to hardline clerics and Iranians seeking to work at ICEL and related institutions.
Dr. Paul Stott, the author of the report, emphasised the importance of addressing the threat posed by Iran, stating, "Allowing it to build and sustain an infrastructure in this country is madness." He stressed the need for a more intelligent response, starting with tighter control over the visa system.
Image source: Daily mail
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