The United Kingdom has launched a sweeping new measure to counter covert foreign influence, as the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) officially came into force on 1 July. The scheme is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change and aims to strengthen national security by increasing transparency and accountability in political engagement with foreign powers.
FIRS introduces a two-tier system requiring individuals and organisations to register certain arrangements with overseas governments. The political tier mandates disclosure of any political influencing activities carried out on behalf of a foreign state, such as lobbying or communications aimed at Members of Parliament or election candidates. The enhanced tier applies to states considered hostile or high-risk, with Russia and Iran both designated under this category following parliamentary approval.
The government says the enhanced tier reflects the serious threats posed by these nations to the UK’s democratic institutions and national interests. Activities carried out under the direction of their intelligence agencies, military or government bodies — including Russia’s GRU and FSB or Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and Ministry of Intelligence — must now be disclosed or face legal consequences.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated that while legitimate international engagement remains welcome, covert attempts to manipulate the UK’s political or social landscape will not be tolerated. He described FIRS as a vital tool to confront growing national security threats, while upholding the openness that characterises British democracy.
FIRS forms part of the National Security Act 2023 and is intended to give UK authorities better visibility into foreign influence operations. Those engaged in political activities on behalf of a foreign power must register within 28 days under the political tier. For entities operating under the enhanced tier, the deadline is reduced to 10 days, and registration must be completed before any activity begins. Failure to register when required is now a criminal offence.
The government has clarified that registration under FIRS does not imply wrongdoing or illegitimacy, nor does it require prior approval to carry out such activities. However, actors who fail to disclose their ties to foreign powers could face prosecution, effectively eliminating the option for covert engagement without legal risk.
To ensure balance, exemptions have been built into the scheme. These include protections for recognised news outlets, legal professionals operating within judicial processes, accredited diplomats and arrangements involving the UK government itself.
The introduction of FIRS positions the UK as a global leader in tackling foreign interference and covert influence operations. It strengthens the country’s ability to detect, disrupt and deter activities that threaten the integrity of its democratic systems and national security.
