| answer text |
<p>Approximately 40 individuals have been prosecuted on their return from Syria, either
because of offences committed overseas or for activity linked to their involvement
in conflict overseas. The offences cover TACT offences and non-TACT offences, but
are only included if they were the result of investigations into terrorist-related
activity. Not all of the convictions relate to activity in Syria or even TACT offences.
All 40 were found guilty of the offences they were charged with.</p><p>We do not comment
on specific operational matters in order to protect our national security so as not
to reveal operational tactics. It would therefore be inappropriate to break down these
figures further or to release information about the specific cases involved.</p><p>Please
note that the safety and security of our country, our people and our communities remains
the Government’s number one priority.</p><p>Around 900 people of national security
concern travelled from the UK to engage in the conflict in Syria and Iraq. Of these,
approximately 20% have been killed while overseas, and around 40% have returned to
the UK.</p><p>The majority of those who have returned, did so in the earlier stages
of the conflict, and were investigated on their return. A significant proportion of
these individuals are assessed as no longer being of national security concern.</p><p>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.</p>
|
|
