Overview

• The UK government has officially placed Russia on the highest tier of its Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), citing acute national security threats.
• The scheme will require individuals and entities directed by Russia to register their activities in the UK or face up to five years in prison.
• Security Minister Dan Jarvis highlighted threats from Russian espionage, cyber attacks, and targeting of lawmakers as key factors behind the decision.
• The FIRS initiative, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aims to counter malign foreign influence and protect UK democratic institutions.
• Iran was designated under the same tier in March 2025, and there are growing calls to include other nations, such as China, in the scheme.