UK Foreign Influence Registration Scheme Comes Into Effect

Published OCT 1

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Above: Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, in April 2023. Image copyright: Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme protects British democracy from hostile foreign interference by requiring transparency from those working for foreign powers. While legitimate debate continues over the future designation of China, the scheme irrespectively provides crucial safeguards while exempting legitimate diplomatic work and journalism.

The Telegraph GOV.UK

Government-critical narrative

Britain's new foreign influence scheme is nothing but a discriminatory weapon targeting Russia and Iran while the vague parameters allow arbitrary persecution of people engaged in legitimate cultural and educational work. This repressive mechanism masquerades as democracy protection but actually undermines diplomatic relations and criminalizes ordinary exchanges.

Tehran Times TASS