British jihadis face 10 years in jail when they return from Syria as Home Secretary Sajid Javid unveils plan to put terror hotspots on a travel blacklist

  • Sajid Javid will make it illegal to enter or remain in terror hotspots without reason
  • British jihadists who travel to Syria will face up to ten years imprisonment 
  • Syria is a 'designated area' under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 

By Ian Drury for the Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

British jihadists who travel to Syria will face up to ten years in prison on their return home, the Home Secretary will announce today.

Sajid Javid is set to use new powers for the first time which will make it illegal to enter or remain in terror hotspots overseas without a valid reason – such as aid work or a relative’s funeral.

The war-torn country – where Islamic State, or Daesh, are based – will become a ‘designated area’ under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act.

Sajid Javid is set to use new powers for the first time which will make it illegal to enter or remain in terror hotspots overseas without a valid reason ¿ such as aid work or a relative¿s funeral

Sajid Javid is set to use new powers for the first time which will make it illegal to enter or remain in terror hotspots overseas without a valid reason – such as aid work or a relative’s funeral

The Act, which came into force earlier this year, is designed to allow the authorities to prosecute individuals, even when there is limited evidence of a suspect’s activities abroad.

Mr Javid will outline the move to tackle the threat from foreign fighters in a major speech in London – seen as the start of his bid for the party leadership.

He will say: ‘I’ve asked my officials to work closely with the police and intelligence agencies to urgently review the case for exercising this power in relation to Syria, with a particular focus on [the city of] Idlib and the north-east.

‘So anyone who is in these areas without a legitimate reason should be on notice.’

The new offence would require proof of a person’s presence in a designated area rather than actually being involved in terrorism. The Home Secretary would be able to place countries or regions on a travel blacklist, making it a crime for an individual to go there.

Around 900 Britons are believed to have travelled to Syria or Iraq. Yet only 40 out of 400 jihadis who fought with IS have been prosecuted after returning home. At least 360 fanatics have been allowed to go free due to lack of evidence.

Syria¿ where Islamic State, or Daesh, are based ¿ will become a ¿designated area¿ under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act. Pictured, Atmeh camp for the displaced in Atmeh town, Idlib province, Syria

Syria– where Islamic State, or Daesh, are based – will become a ‘designated area’ under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act. Pictured, Atmeh camp for the displaced in Atmeh town, Idlib province, Syria

Mr Javid will say: ‘The police and security services have worked tirelessly to identify those intending to travel overseas and join Daesh. They have seized passports at the border and prevented them from leaving the country.’

He will use the speech to highlight the UK’s international role in fighting terrorism and drum home the need for continued co-operation with other countries to save lives – even though Britain is leaving the EU.

He will say: ‘From terrorism, to crime, to hostile state activity, we are facing international problems, and they require an international response.

‘As these threats become more global we all rely on an international system of defence, policing, security and intelligence. A safety net based upon co-operation, and unity.’ 

Syria

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