UJS calls on government to proscribe Iran’s IRGC in name of ‘Jewish student welfare’
UJS president Edward Isaacs says:'I did not think I would ever have to directly call for a group to be proscribed in the name of Jewish student welfare. Nonetheless, this is what I must do'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The Union of Jewish Students has joined other communal organisations in calling for the government to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Writing in The Times new UJS president, Edward Isaacs, said: “I never thought I would need to speak out against Iranian military leaders speaking to students.
“I did not think I would ever have to directly call for a group to be proscribed in the name of Jewish student welfare. Nonetheless, this is what I must do.”
The student body’s decision to call for proscription of the IRGC, which is central to the Iranian military structure, followed reports that the Islamic Students Assocation of Britain broadcasted anti-Jewish hate speeches at meetings.
The Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies have also called for the proscription of the IRGC after the foreign office confirmed Iran has “increased its efforts to kill or kidnap individuals perceived to be enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including in the UK.”
Jewish Israeli individuals residing in the UK are reportedly said to be at risk.
But the government has so far resisted calls for the IRGC to be classed as a terror group, preferring to expand the criteria by which supporters and companies can be put under sanctions.
The foreign office is also fearful that proscription would probably have led to the expulsion of the UK ambassador to Tehran.
It also believes that the EU is unlikely to take the step.
Foreign secretary James Cleverly is among those to believe proscription would be the wrong move at this stage.
The Labour Party had called for proscription under the 2000 Terrorism Act, or if necessary through an amendment to make it possible to ban a state organisation.
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