Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged unrelenting action to protect Jewish communities and strengthen border security after two Iranian nationals were charged over an alleged terrorist plot in Manchester.
Mahmood said the government would be "unrelenting in our efforts to protect our Jewish communities", alongside action to root out antisemitism and maintain border security.
Charges at Westminster Magistrates' Court
Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday 3 October, charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. Prosecutors alleged they conducted reconnaissance of Jewish sites in Manchester and were directed by a third person believed to be in Iran.
Neither defendant entered a plea. Both were remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on 23 October. The allegations have not been proven.
Distress in Manchester and hostile-state threats
Mahmood said the news would be deeply distressing for Jewish communities, particularly in Manchester as the city marked the first anniversary of the Heaton Park synagogue attack. She warned that Britain faced threats from terrorists and foreign state actors, saying the Iranian regime targeted Jewish communities and overseas critics, sometimes through proxies and criminal networks.
Small-boat arrivals and political claims
The Home Secretary confirmed both defendants had arrived in Britain by small boat several years ago. The court heard that Salehi arrived in 2020 and Ahmadyan in 2023 - both before Labour returned to government.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage sought to blame Labour's handling of border security. The defendants' arrival dates fall within the Conservatives' time in office; that chronology does not establish whether any particular policy caused or could have prevented the alleged plot.
Police response
Counter-terrorism police said the Manchester investigation was unrelated to a separate inquiry near RAF Fairford and that they did not believe there was an ongoing public threat connected to this case. Mahmood thanked police and intelligence agencies, while Greater Manchester Police said officers would continue visible security and engagement with Jewish communities.
