The UK government is closely monitoring the situation in Syria, particularly concerning British jihadists held in Kurdish-controlled camps in the north-east. Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed that British intelligence services are keeping a watchful eye on these camps, where around 10,000 fighters, including members of ISIS, are detained.

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Dame Angela acknowledged concerns over potential risks posed by foreign fighters trying to return to the UK. She confirmed that the government is collaborating with international allies, including the US, to monitor developments in Syria.

Despite the absence of immediate security changes in the camps, Eagle emphasized the fluidity of the situation, particularly with groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) controlling parts of the country. The UK is also delaying decisions on asylum claims from Syrians fleeing Assad’s regime, with no current plans to deport individuals back to Syria due to the unstable situation.

One notable case is Shamima Begum, a British citizen who joined ISIS as a teenager in 2015. Her citizenship was revoked, and the courts have ruled that she has no right to return.

The government continues to assess the evolving situation in Syria, with no clear timeline for a shift in policy regarding asylum or deportations.