National Security Act 2023

Summary

Modernised UK national security legislation introducing a Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), new espionage offences, and offences related to foreign power-threat activities. Replaces aspects of the Official Secrets Acts for state-threat purposes. FIRS requires registration of political influence arrangements with foreign principals.

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil diaspora organisations coordinating with foreign governments (including the Tamil Nadu state government or potential future Tamil political entities) on political campaigns targeting UK MPs may need to register under FIRS, creating compliance burdens and reputational risks.

Key provisions

• s.1–6 — foreign power-threat activity offences
• s.64–79 — Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)
• s.81 — offence of failing to register
• Part 4 — Prevent duty and related counter-extremism measures

Primary source

Related entries

• → Terrorism Act 2000 (UK)
• → Terrorism Act 2006 (UK)