UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A terrorism watchdog suggests Britain should review the national security in repatriating stateless persons like Shamima Begum, despite worries.
Jonathan Hall KC, the government’s independent terrorism reviewer, has recommended that the UK repatriate British nationals of the Islamic State group (IS) currently held in Syrian camps.
He stated,
“Repatriation would not be moral absolution. If someone came back, it wouldn’t prevent them from potentially being prosecuted for what they’ve done.”
Mr Hall added,
“It could be quite a pragmatic decision in the overall interests of national security to bring someone back.”
Who is Shamima Begum?
In 2015, Shamima Begum traveled from London to Syria to support the jihadist cause. She later lost her UK citizenship in 2019.
Judges at the Supreme Court ruled in August last year to reject Shamima Begum the right to appeal the removal of her British nationality.
Now 25, Shamima Begum aimed to reverse the government’s move to withdraw her citizenship due to national security concerns.
Farage reconsiders Shamima Begum’s return
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, revealed that, after being asked about the matter, he had been “thoughtful” about bringing Shamima Begum back to Britain.
Mr. Farage admitted that, initially, he opposed supporting her return but now says he has changed his opinion about the repatriation of Ms. Begum.
Kemi Badenoch criticizes Farage on Begum’s return
After Reform UK revealed its apparent support for Shamima Begum’s return, the Conservatives leader slammed Nigel Farage for the move.
Responding to Mr Farage, she stated,
“A Conservative Government led by me will never take back terrorists like Shamima Begum who have been stripped of their citizenship.”
Ms. Badenoch said that actions need consequences to prevent crime, adding that citizenship is about being loyal to a country and supporting its success, not using it as a travel document for criminal activities.
Trump’s aide calls for UK to take back IS members
This week, newly elected president Donald Trump’s new counter-terrorism chief urged the return of British nationals detained in Syrian prisons for their involvement with the Islamic State group.
According to Sebastian Gorka, countries that seek to be seen as genuine US allies should participate in the global effort against extremism by bringing back their individuals from Syrian camps.
Foreign Secretary’s views on bringing back Shamima
David Lammy, Foreign Secretary, confirmed that Shamima Begum “will not be returning to the UK” following a series of court rulings. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he clarified, “The legal process has been completed. She is no longer a UK citizen.”
Mr Lammy said we will protect our security, as many individuals in those Syrian camps pose a threat and have extremist opinions.
What does UK citizenship mean?
Citizenship is a legal right that grants people the right to reside in the UK, access various services like healthcare, education, and welfare, and vote. Beyond this, citizenship often represents an identity and a sense of belonging. Some non-citizens, however, may hold “settled status” or “leave to remain,” giving them similar privileges.
How can citizenship be removed?
The British government holds the authority to revoke citizenship in certain conditions, like when it is in the public’s interest or if the individual poses a risk to the nation’s national security and can acquire nationality from another country.
The Shamima Begum case
In February 2020, a tribunal found Shamima Begum’s removal from British citizenship legal, citing her Bangladeshi citizenship by descent. Bangladesh, however, refused her entry.
In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled she could not return to appeal, and in 2023, Begum’s legal team contested the decision, arguing trafficking.
Despite this, the SIAC and Court of Appeal ruled that her citizenship removal stood, citing her involvement with the Islamic State, even if she was a potential trafficking victim.
How many have lost their citizenship?
From 2010 to 2022, the UK revoked the citizenship of 220 individuals, mostly due to national security concerns. The peak occurred in 2017 with 104 cases, compared to just three in 2022.
Following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime, the future of camps holding IS-linked prisoners in Syria is uncertain. The Syrian Democratic Forces, working with the West, have been responsible for protecting thousands of captured foreign IS members and their families in extensive camps and jails.