Stopping British Jihadis Coming Back Could Be Struck Down By European Court

Questions have been raised across the political spectrum about whether it would be legal under European Law to stop British jihadis returning to the UK. Both Labour and UKIP questioned whether such a move would breach the human rights of the jihadis under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

At today’s Prime Minister’s Question time, Labour Leader Ed Miliband sought clarification on the proposal and claimed he would “wait and see” if it was legal. This was despite David Cameron’s insistence that he would press ahead with “cross-party discussions” on how to do it.

Labour MP Fiona McTaggart said: “It is illegal to take away someone’s citizenship, you can’t do that. It’s illegal under international law. But what we need to do is stop them at the border and make them face the courts.”

In the face of growing concerns that Mr Cameron’s plan would not stand up to a challenge in the European Court of Human Rights he said: “I do believe it is legal and permissible but it will require work.” But UKIP’s Home Affairs and Justice spokesman Diane James MEP was less convinced and claims the new law would breach the ECHR.

Speaking to Breitbart London she said: “It is a complete outrage that while we are members of the EU and the European Court of Human Rights, the UK is unable revoke the citizenship and passport of Jihadi terrorists who commit atrocities abroad.

“The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was originally drawn up to protect genuine refugees and innocent victims of  injustice. It is ridiculous that the ECHR now gives succour to terrorists rather than those people who need protection.

“In order to revoke the British citizenship of dangerous Islamic terrorists, we must leave the ECHR, then we could start to deal with the threats to our security and let them know we shall prevail.”

Robin Simcox from the Henry Jackson Society believes Cameron should find a way to implement the policy. He told Breitbart London: “The ability to stop jihadists who have been fighting abroad – not just in Iraq and Syria, but also in areas such as Somalia –  returning to the UK is a key tool in the national security armoury.

“It may not be appropriate for every fighter, but could be for those assessed to be grave national security threats: especially if, for a variety of reasons, they cannot be prosecuted in court.”