Convictions for plotting against the state- UK & EU

 UK AND EU CONVICTIONS FOR PLOTTING AGAINST STATE STABILITY


United Kingdom


Relevant laws

National Security Act 2023 – offences for sabotage, espionage, foreign interference, and assisting foreign intelligence services. Covers individuals who intentionally engage in conduct likely to materially damage UK safety or interests. Reference: gov.uk, National Security Bill Factsheet, 2023.

Foreign Interference offence – applies when someone, under a foreign power’s direction, interferes with political, legal, or administrative functions through improper means. Reference: gov.uk, Foreign Interference Factsheet, 2023.

National Security Strategy 2025 – reaffirms protection of democratic institutions, infrastructure, and sovereignty. Reference: gov.uk, National Security Strategy 2025, Cabinet Office publication.

Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 – allows prosecution of conspiracy to commit serious offences abroad that would also be crimes in the UK. Reference: legislation.gov.uk, 1998 Act.

Investigatory Powers Act 2016 – grants agencies powers for surveillance, interception, and intelligence gathering in cases involving national security threats. Reference: legislation.gov.uk, 2016 Act.


Typical outcomes

If intent to undermine state stability is proven, charges can include conspiracy, terrorism-related offences, or treason (where applicable). Sentences range from several years to life imprisonment depending on scale and damage. Assets derived from or used in such acts may be frozen or seized under Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.


European Union and Member States


General framework

Treason, espionage, or conspiracy to destabilise the state are offences under domestic criminal codes of each EU country. Each state retains sovereignty over national security under Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union. Reference: Treaty on European Union, Article 4(2).

The European Parliament’s 2023 study “Legal loopholes and the risk of foreign interference” highlights manipulation of governance and political systems through covert influence or cyber operations. Reference: European Parliament, EXPO_IDA(2023)702575.

The European Commission’s communication on “Security Union Strategy 2020–2025” and subsequent updates focus on countering hybrid threats, disinformation, and foreign-directed destabilisation. Reference: European Commission, COM(2020)605 final.

Asset recovery and anti-interference cooperation coordinated through Europol and Eurojust. Reference: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, Commissioner Johansson speech, EU versus Crime Conference, 2024.


Key elements across UK and EU


1. Intent and knowledge – the accused must knowingly plan to disrupt national institutions or security.

2. Conduct – includes sabotage, espionage, cyber interference, propaganda, or manipulation of public systems.

3. Foreign involvement – aggravates the offence under both UK National Security Act 2023 and similar EU laws.

4. Penalties – long custodial sentences, loss of assets, and in some cases loss of citizenship or exclusion from public service.

Summary

Both UK and EU legal frameworks treat intentional plotting against the stability of the state as serious criminal conduct. Charges may include conspiracy, terrorism, sabotage, treason, or foreign interference, with punishments ranging from extended imprisonment to life sentences depending on severity and foreign power involvement.


References in plain text order


1. gov.uk – National Security Bill Factsheets 2023

2. legislation.gov.uk – Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998

3. legislation.gov.uk – Investigatory Powers Act 2016

4. gov.uk – National Security Strategy 2025

5. Treaty on European Union, Article 4(2)

6. European Parliament, “Legal Loopholes and the Risk of Foreign Interference”, 2023, EXPO_IDA(2023)702575

7. European Commission, “Security Union Strategy 2020–2025”, COM(2020)605 final []

8. home-affairs.ec.europa.eu – EU versus Crime Conference, Speech by Commissioner Ylva Johansson, 2024

more later


liz lucy robillard 21/10/25




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