Landmark legislation targeting hostile state activity on UK soil has received Royal Assent, handing the Home Secretary counter-terrorism style powers to designate foreign state proxies and closing a gap that has left agencies struggling to act against deniable, state-linked threats. The National Security (State Threats) Bill became law on 8 July, delivering on a government commitment to introduce proscription-like powers following a recent wave of antisemitic attacks. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood can now designate foreign state organisations and state-linked groups carrying out hostile activity in the UK, from attacks on particular communities and the targeting of dissidents to cyber attacks…
