UK Criticised Over Delay To List IRGC As Terror Group After Allegations That London Islamic Centre Sold Pro-Extremist Merchandise

Britain’s Labour government is under fresh criticism for not moving quickly to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), even as a London-based charity, the Islamic Centre of England, faces allegations that pro–Iranian and pro–Hezbollah items were sold at a recent bazaar.

Allegations and Reporting

The Daily Telegraph reported that a bazaar held on Dec. 14, 2025, at premises linked to the Islamic Centre of England offered merchandise including phone cases and key rings displaying pro‑Hezbollah and pro‑Iranian regime messages. One key ring was reported to bear the slogan, "With the kindness of God, Seyyed Ali [Khamenei] is our leader." Reporters also say the event included stickers bearing the image of the late IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani.

Claims About The Centre

Analysts who study Iranian influence in the U.K. say the centre operates as part of a broader network of state‑linked activity. Potkin Azarmehr, a British‑Iranian commentator, told Fox News Digital he believes the Islamic Centre of England functions as an outpost of the Iranian regime and accused it of helping to promote Iran’s political influence and recruit individuals for training abroad. Emma Schubart of the Henry Jackson Society described the centre as "part of a wider ecosystem of Iranian state‑linked influence operating openly in the U.K., and at the centre of that ecosystem sits the IRGC."

A British Union flag flies from a souvenir stall near the Houses of Parliament in London Oct. 27, 2025.(Getty Images)

Regulatory Response

The Islamic Centre of England is a registered charity and has been the subject of an ongoing statutory inquiry by the U.K. Charity Commission. A Commission spokesperson told Fox News Digital: "As part of our ongoing statutory inquiry into (the) Islamic Centre of England, we have raised concerns with the trustees about material sold by third parties at a recent event hosted at the charity’s premises. We take very seriously any alleged links between a charity and extremism or terrorism."

Critics say the inquiry — which has reportedly been under way for several years — has produced little visible action. Azarmehr has said the regulator has made no decisive moves beyond appointing an interim director, while the centre continues to operate.

Political Fallout

Conservative politicians and security commentators have called for tougher action. Alicia Kearns, the Conservative shadow minister for home affairs, has urged the centre to be closed and for anyone propagating extremist material to face legal consequences. Multiple requests for comment to the prime minister’s office went unanswered, and the trustees of the Islamic Centre of England said they are reviewing the Dec. 14 event and could not comment further at this time.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 9, 2026.

International Context

The controversy comes as the European Union recently designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity; the United States, Canada and Australia had previously placed similar designations on the organisation. Reporting cited in political debate links the IRGC to violent repression of protesters in Iran, and the issue has intensified debate about whether the U.K. should follow suit.

Public Demonstrations

Footage shared on social media and by public figures shows recent London protests that included a mixture of pro‑Palestinian and pro‑Iran regime messaging. Nigel Farage and other commentators warned that visible support for the Iranian regime in public demonstrations is a worrying sign for the country.

What Happens Next

With the Charity Commission’s inquiry ongoing and growing political pressure, the story is likely to remain in the spotlight. Key questions for U.K. policymakers include whether to proscribe the IRGC and what regulatory or legal steps should be taken in response to the allegations about the Islamic Centre of England.