The UK government should evaluate the possibility of repatriating British nationals affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) currently detained in Syrian camps, according to Jonathan Hall KC, the

independent reviewer of terrorism legislation.

Hall's remarks followed a statement by Donald Trump’s incoming counter-terrorism advisor, Sebastian Gorka, who suggested that if the UK wishes to maintain its status as a "serious ally" of the United States, it should accept the return of its citizens who joined IS.

One prominent case is that of Shamima Begum, who left London as a teenager in 2015 to join IS. In 2019, she was stripped of her UK citizenship. Despite her continued attempts to regain her nationality, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has firmly stated that Begum "will not be coming back to the UK."

In an interview with The Times, Gorka emphasized the importance of allied nations taking responsibility for their citizens. "Any nation that wants to be seen as a serious ally of the world’s most powerful country should act accordingly," he said. He added that the UK holds a unique place in President Trump’s view, and restoring the "special relationship" requires such actions.

Since IS's defeat in 2019, thousands of individuals associated with the group—primarily women and children—have been detained in camps across northern Syria. The unstable situation in Syria, particularly following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, has raised concerns about the security of these camps.

Begum remains among the detainees, having traveled to Syria at age 15. Shortly after her arrival, she married an IS fighter and gave birth to three children, none of whom survived. Her UK citizenship was revoked on national security grounds, and all legal appeals have been unsuccessful.

In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Begum, who remains in a Syrian camp, reiterated her desire to return to the UK.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight, Hall acknowledged the complexity of Begum's case but urged policymakers to consider broader national security implications. “Repatriation does not equate to moral absolution. If someone returns, they could still face prosecution,” he explained.

Hall highlighted the potential security advantages of repatriation. “Leaving individuals in Syrian camps may seem easier from a monitoring perspective, but the risk of escape and subsequent radicalization outside of controlled environments poses a greater long-term threat to the UK,” he said. He pointed out that while European countries and the US have repatriated citizens, no attacks have been carried out by individuals who were brought back and prosecuted.

Despite this, David Lammy reiterated the government’s stance during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, emphasizing that Begum’s legal avenues have been exhausted and that she “is no longer a UK national.” He stressed that national security interests must take precedence, given the dangerous and radical nature of many detainees.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also voiced her opposition to Begum’s return. “Citizenship comes with a commitment to the nation and its well-being. It’s not a passport for criminal tourism,” she stated.

The debate over the repatriation of IS members remains a contentious issue, with national security concerns weighed against moral and legal responsibilities. While some argue for pragmatic solutions, others fear the risks posed by returning individuals who once supported extremist ideologies. Photo by Mirwais Bezhan (VOA), Wikimedia commons.