Written question asked by Lord Marlesford (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 October 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 November 2017. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Monday, 6 November 2017 on behalf of the Home Office.

Islamic State: British Nationals Abroad

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British passport holders are known to have joined the military operations of the Islamic State; how many of those have returned to the UK; and whether they have the technical capability and the legal power to cancel electronically the passports of those concerned.

Answer: Approximately 850 UK linked individuals of national security concern have travelled to engage with the Syrian conflict. We estimate that just under half have returned and approximately 15% are now dead. This number includes all those of national security concern, not just those affiliated with Daesh. Everyone who returns from taking part in the conflict in Syria or Iraq must expect to be investigated by the police to determine if they have committed criminal offences, and to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our national security. In addition to seeking prosecution of terrorism suspects we use a range of tools at our disposal to manage the threat posed - including using the Royal Prerogative to withdraw British passport facilities, travel restrictions as part of imposing TPIMs on an individual, exclusion from the UK and deprivation of British citizenship where appropriate and using Schedule 1 to the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to seize and temporarily retain travel documents.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL2609
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Armed conflict British nationals abroad Iraq Passports Terrorism Syria Islamic State
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk