On Apr. 15, 2025, UK GVT updated guidance collection which brings together information on foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS) to aid decisions, actions.
Update adds the ability to provide feedback on the FIRS guidance materials.
Contributions to improvement are also possible by joining research panel.
Concerning the two tiers (ie types of activity that may need registering), documents included cover: political influence tier; enhanced tier; specified powers guidance.
Information is also included to help to prepare for the scheme, including: what information needed to register; what to do if have arrangements to carry out activities in place before Jul. 1, 2025; help to use the online registration service.
Also: details of the information notices the government can use to find out about qualifying activities or arrangements; guidance specific range of sectors.
On Mar. 31, UK GVT introduced foreign influence registration scheme.
UK GVT issued The national security act 2023 (foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme: information and disclosure) regulations 2025 (StIn 2025/408).
The instrument relates to a brand-new scheme, which has no precedent in the UK.
Prior to the Foreign activities and Foreign influence registration scheme, there has been no general requirement for transparency of foreign influence in the UK.
No general provision of this nature available to assist law enforcement in tackling covert activities by or for foreign powers which pose a risk to national security.
Sets out information required at registration under Pt 4 of National security act 2023.
Sets out minimum period in which a response to an information notice will be required.
Form in which registrants should notify secretary of state of change to arrangement.
Grounds under which information provided may be disclosed by secretary of state.
Four categories of activities or arrangements are required to be registered with the Secretary of State under the scheme: foreign activity arrangements (section 65).
Activities of specified persons (section 68); foreign influence arrangements (section 69), and political influence activities of foreign powers where there is misrepresentation in relation to a person working for the foreign power (section 72).
Effectiveness
Regulations come into force when Part 4 of the National Security Act 2023 (NSA 2023 (UK) Pt 4) comes fully into force.
Apr. 2025 Statement to UKP
On Apr. 1, 2025, UK GVT announced the implementation of regulations of Foreign influence registration scheme, specifying Russia under the enhanced tier.
Enhanced tier has been specifically designed to shed light on activities directed by those foreign powers or entities whose activities pose a threat to UK safety.
Russia is the second country to be placed on the enhanced tier, following the announcement in March that Iran would be specified.
UK GVT will designate all parts of Russian state, including its president, its parliament, all Russian ministries and their agencies, and the Russian intelligence services.
To support the regulations and assist potential registrants and others to understand responsibilities, UK GVT has published comprehensive guidance online, see #184555.
In parliament, Security Minister announced that statutory instruments to enable the wider scheme have been laid, which will enable it to commence on Jul. 1, 2025.
By bringing the scheme into force on the Jul. 1, 2025, the government will be giving sectors three months’ notice to help them prepare for the scheme.
Apr. 7, 2025, Registration Factsheets Issued
On Apr. 7, 2025, UK GVT published two factsheets setting out the main points of the Foreign influence registration scheme, including the tiers and how to register.
Apr. 15, 2025 Guidance Collection and Feedback
On Apr. 15, 2025, UK GVT updated guidance collection which brings together information on foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS) to aid decisions, actions.
Update adds the ability to provide feedback on the FIRS guidance materials.
Contributions to improvement are also possible by joining research panel.
Concerning the two tiers (ie types of activity that may need registering), documents included cover: political influence tier; enhanced tier; specified powers guidance.
Information is also included to help to prepare for the scheme, including: what information needed to register; what to do if have arrangements to carry out activities in place before Jul. 1, 2025; help to use the online registration service.
Also: details of the information notices the government can use to find out about qualifying activities or arrangements; guidance specific range of sectors.
