Key Highlights
- The Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism calls for the repatriation of British-linked individuals in Syria.
- The report warns that current policies are unsustainable and could lead to “Britain’s Guantanamo” conditions in detention camps.
- About 50-70 British citizens, including those like Shamima Begum, are stranded in Syrian camps, with many being women and children.
- There is a particular obligation on the British state to protect children from harm, according to the commission’s recommendations.
Counterterrorism Review Calls for Repatriation of British-Linked Individuals in Syria
The Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism has issued a critical report calling for the repatriation of British-linked individuals who are currently detained in camps in northeastern Syria. The review, published on Tuesday 11 November 2025, highlights the unsustainable nature of the current policy that leaves these people in limbo, warning that it could lead to conditions akin to “Britain’s Guantanamo.”
The report specifically mentions Shamima Begum, a former east London schoolgirl who joined Islamic State and now faces an uncertain future. Begum is one of the most high-profile detainees in the Al Roj refugee camp, where she has been stranded since 2019 following the loss of her British citizenship.
The commission’s recommendations are based on the premise that the conditions at Syrian detention camps, including Al Hol and Al Roj, constitute inhuman and degrading treatment. The report cites research indicating that repatriating these individuals is a safer long-term option compared to leaving them stranded in Syria, which risks further radicalization.
Current Policy and Its Criticisms
The current UK policy of not allowing British citizens or individuals with links to the country to return from Syria has been described as “inconsistent” with international human rights obligations. The commission argues that such policies are an outlier among other Western countries, which have repatriated their nationals involved in Islamic State.
According to the report, there is a balance of risk favoring repatriation over leaving British-linked individuals stranded in Syria. The UK’s “strategic distance” approach, which includes stripping people of citizenship and limiting consular assistance, has been criticized as inadequate. The US government, for instance, has called for all states to take back their nationals.
Recommendations for Repatriation
To address the issue, the commission recommends several measures. These include appointing a special envoy to oversee repatriation and informing returnees about potential prosecution. The report also suggests tools such as deradicalization programs and investigations to manage returns while ensuring public safety.
Shamima Begum’s Case
Shamima Begum, now 26, is a central figure in the debate over repatriation. She joined Islamic State at the age of 15 with two school friends and was stripped of her British citizenship after her return to the UK. Begum has faced significant legal challenges, including an unsuccessful appeal against the removal of her nationality.
The commission’s report underscores the urgency of addressing the situation for individuals like Begum, emphasizing that the government should facilitate their voluntary repatriation.
This recommendation is part of a broader call for a “radical overhaul” of the UK’s Prevent counter-terrorism strategy, which has been deemed ineffective in recent years.
The report concludes by highlighting the potential consequences of not taking action on this issue, warning that continued inaction could lead to an exacerbation of the problem and further radicalization. As such, it represents a significant shift in how policymakers view the repatriation of British-linked individuals from conflict zones.
