UK authorities have reportedly discovered individuals connected to Iranian intelligence agencies among asylum seekers arriving in Britain via small boats crossing the English Channel. These individuals are alleged to have been smuggled into the UK disguised as migrants.
Sources indicate that the routes used to transport these migrants are operated and controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Daily Mail reported in March that asylum seekers, purportedly fleeing conflict in Iran, had traveled through Turkey to reach migrant camps in France before crossing to the UK. Data from Oxford University's migration observatory shows that Iranians have been the most common nationality among asylum seekers arriving in the UK over the last decade.
The revelations emerge as concerns grow over the number of small boat arrivals. More than 500 migrants reportedly arrived during Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first week in office, with one vessel noted to be 12 meters long and carrying 165 individuals. This has led to criticism that Burnham has not adequately addressed immigration issues.
Alicia Kearns, shadow security minister, stated that the IRGC is exploiting the small boats crisis to place operatives on British streets. She called for an urgent taskforce to identify Iranian agents among arrivals, the designation of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security under hostile state legislation, and emergency powers to shut down IRGC-affiliated organizations in the UK. "Tehran is openly threatening Britain and we have a Prime Minister silent on our national security – our people deserve answers, action and leadership," Kearns said.
These accusations follow warnings from Sir Ken McCallum, head of MI5, who earlier this year stated that Iran was plotting attacks at an "unprecedented pace and scale." He also revealed that Iran has allegedly supported 20 plots posing a lethal threat to journalists and dissidents in Britain since January 2022. MI5 investigations into hostile state threats have increased by nearly 50% in the past year, driven by a rise in assassination, kidnap, arson, and sabotage plots.
Relations between the UK and Iran have been further strained by recent threats from Tehran. Iran warned that Britain's RAF Fairford base is a "legitimate target" after the U.S. used it to launch a B1 bomber raid. The IRGC also issued threatening remarks towards the "British monarchy regime" for supporting the U.S. war effort against Iran, stating that any base used to invade Iranian territory is a legitimate target.
The British government has responded by asserting that its military is prepared to defend the nation against any attacks, employing a layered approach to air and missile defense in coordination with NATO allies. The government reiterated its commitment to defending its people, interests, and allies in accordance with international law.
Political figures have voiced strong opinions on the ongoing migrant crossings. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the arrivals as a "dangerous invasion," while Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the government's handling of Channel crossings. Lord Glasman, founder of the Blue Labour group, urged a more "aggressive" policy, including the deployment of the Royal Navy to stop boats.
Home Office figures indicate that small-boat migrants constituted 7% of deportations last year, though a spokesperson stated that removals of small-boat migrants are at record levels and asylum claims have decreased by 12%.