Where there is evidence that crimes have been committed, British citizens and residents who take part in military operations abroad should expect to be prosecuted under the full range of existing counter terrorism legislation. Decisions on charging are taken independently on a case-by-case basis by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Approximately 400 UK-linked individuals of security concern have returned from the conflict in Syria. While it would not be appropriate to provide a breakdown of the investigation status of returners, a significant proportion of the individuals who have already returned have been assessed as posing little or no national security concern.

The Home Office Statistical Bulletin publishes data about convictions quarterly but does not distinguish those which relate to Syria and Daesh. People who are investigated and charged with offences relating to the conflict in Syria and Iraq are prosecuted in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

Although official figures do not show how many were Syria or Daesh related, of the 97 persons charged with a terrorism-related offence in the year ending September 2017, 30 had been prosecuted (as at the time of data provision to the Home Office, 6 November 2017), 30 of which were found guilty. A further 65 were awaiting prosecution.

The threat posed by individuals who have gained combat experience and been further radicalised by spending time fighting for Daesh is an important issue for the UK and its international partners. Approximately 850 UK-linked individuals of national security concern have travelled to engage in the Syrian conflict. We estimate that just under half have returned to the UK and over 15 per cent have been killed in fighting in the region.

This is a global challenge and the international community must work together, learn from each other's experiences and share best practice. There are two aspects to how we manage this threat: focusing on UK-linked individuals returning to the UK, and considering foreign terrorist fighter flows overseas.

Everyone who returns to the UK 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 ensure that they do not pose a threat to our national security. The police have a range of legal powers they can use to manage any risk they pose. The UK supports its counter terrorism partners around the world to manage this risk by sharing information and experience, and by providing support to develop capabilities to manage the risk.

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.

RAF strikes are approved through a strict assessment process undertaken by British military, policy and legal advisers. All the available information is considered in accordance with strict targeting criteria to ensure compliance with UK and international laws and UK Rules of Engagement. The authorisation to conduct a strike is only given when this process is complete and the conditions for the release of weapons are met.

The coalition's counter-Daesh military response in Iraq and Syria is directed by the US commander of the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF).

All UK forces in Iraq and Syria remain under national command, apart from UK military personnel embedded into coalition posts in the CJTF. However, embedded personnel are still bound by UK law, policy and guidance on response in an armed conflict.