UK to add Russia to enhanced tier of foreign influence registration scheme

​​​​​​​By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Russia will be placed on the enhanced tier of the UK’s foreign influence registration scheme, Security Minister Dan Jarvis told MPs on Tuesday.

The scheme, part of the National Security Act 2023, is designed to monitor individuals lobbying on behalf of foreign governments in the UK.

The move is set to take effect in July.

Under the initiative, individuals lobbying on behalf of foreign governments must register their activities.

For countries on the enhanced tier, however, the rules are stricter.

Anyone carrying out activities in the UK on behalf of an enhanced-tier country, or an entity linked to it, will be required to register or face criminal charges.

The UK confirmed last month that Iran will also be on the enhanced tier in July.​​​​​​​