Understanding State Threats and The National Security Act 2023

Foreign states sometimes try to get people in the UK to carry out tasks for them.

They do this because it allows them to stay hidden, avoid detection, and distances themselves from activities they don't want traced back to them.

They may reach out online or in person and offer incentives for quick, simple, or one-off jobs.

These requests may seem harmless at first, such as taking photos, sharing details about a place, or passing on information about a person.

Foreign states often target people who may be more vulnerable.

The Home Office have developed a guide for frontline service providers who have regular contact with individuals who could be susceptible to recruitment by foreign states.

It is designed as resource pack for organisation and services that work directly with people who may be susceptible to exploitation, including those who may be targeted through online approaches with promises of financial reward. The pack is designed to help us understand

1. How and why foreign states target and recruit people, often hiding their involvement.
2. How this threat can apply to the people we work with and what state threats can look like.
3. The National Security Act 2023

It also outlines the legal consequences of involvement in such activity under the National Security Act 2023 and highlights the importance of early reporting and intervention.

They provide key messages for practice and help with spotting potential risks or vulnerabilities so you can:

• Be aware that some individuals that you engage with may be more vulnerable to this type of activity.
• Understand the warning signs of concerning behaviour.
• Provide appropriate support to vulnerable individuals.
• Report concerning activity to the authorities. 

They are clear that you should report suspicious activity, including recruitment attempts.

Information can be shared via the Anti-Terrorism Hotline 0800 789 321 or online at gov.uk/ACT

If a crime is ongoing or may be committed, call 999 or 101

Front-line service providers who have regular contact with individuals who could be susceptible to recruitment by foreign states can obtain a full copy of the pack in order to: 

• Tailor the messaging and language of these key messages to resonate best with the target audiences which you engage with.
• Embed messaging into your existing work, such as safeguarding conversations, briefings to front-line staff, community outreach, or existing communications campaigns.

Please get in touch with STProxyComms@homeoffice.gov.uk if you have any questions or feedback.