deprivation has been steadily lowered, and procedural protections have weakened.” This results in unequal protection among British citizens, as only those with actual or potential claims to another nationality are vulnerable to deprivation.
Morgan’s comments echo those of other commission members, such as Dominic Grieve, a former attorney general and Conservative politician. Grieve noted that the US, Canada, and Australia have successfully repatriated many of their citizens from conflict zones, urging the UK government to follow suit.
Repatriation and Human Trafficking
The commission’s report also calls for tighter definitions in counterterrorism legislation, warning against overly broad applications that could capture behavior that is harmful but not terrorist. It points out that several women were children when they departed the UK with their families and may be considered victims of human trafficking.
Middle East Eye has reported extensively on Shamima Begum’s case, including her unsuccessful legal challenge in the Supreme Court last year. Her appeal was refused due to authorities’ failure to prevent her being trafficked, a claim that the commission suggests should have been more robustly addressed by the government.
Conclusion
The Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law’s recommendations highlight significant flaws in current legislation and call for urgent reforms. As the UK continues to grapple with rising terrorism threats, these calls for action are likely to gain increased attention from both policymakers and civil rights advocates.
