Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs that the suspect in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death was 'not known to Prevent', as counter-terrorism police took over the case and ministers announced new measures against Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Key facts
- Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs the suspect was 'not known to Prevent'.
- The government announced it is in effect proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
- The designation uses new powers under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
- The maximum penalty for related offences reaches life imprisonment.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood updated Parliament after counter-terrorism police took over the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, according to the Guardian. Mahmood told MPs that the suspect in the investigation was ‘not known to Prevent’, the UK’s counter-radicalisation programme.
The update came as the government announced it is in effect proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s state-run organisation. Ministers are doing so using new powers under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
The Guardian reports that ministers have been under pressure for years to proscribe the IRGC, which backs terrorist activity outside Iran. However, the last Conservative government, and Labour when it took power, had argued that it would be difficult to use laws intended to target terrorist organisations against a state-run organisation.
Under the new framework, designation introduces criminal offences relating to supporting, assisting, or obtaining material benefit from a designated body. Where an individual engages in espionage, sabotage or foreign interference for, on behalf of, or with the intention to benefit the designated body, they may also be charged under the National Security Act 2023. The maximum penalty for these offences reaches life imprisonment.
For a body to be designated, the home secretary must reasonably believe that it is, or has been, involved in foreign power threat activity, and must consider that designation is necessary to protect the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, according to the Guardian.
The government said the United Kingdom has identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on UK soil. The Guardian reports that in January 2024 the UK announced sanctions in connection with these concerns, though full details were not available.
Why it matters
The counter-terrorism takeover of the Widdecombe investigation and the move against the IRGC signal a hardening of the UK's national security posture. The new designation powers create serious criminal offences carrying up to life imprisonment, marking a significant expansion of the tools available to ministers.
Frequently asked questions
Who has taken over the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death?
Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation, and the home secretary updated Parliament following that decision, according to the Guardian.
Was the suspect known to Prevent?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs that the suspect in the investigation was 'not known to Prevent'.
What powers is the government using against the IRGC?
The government is in effect proscribing the IRGC using new powers under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, with related offences carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.