A landmark review of Britain's counterterrorism strategy has issued a stark warning, stating that the current policy of leaving British-linked individuals in Syrian detention camps is unsustainable. The report calls for the repatriation of citizens, including the high-profile case of Shamima Begum, to avoid creating what it terms 'Britain's Guantanamo'.
The Case for Repatriation
The Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism conducted the review, which was published on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. It found that the conditions in camps like Al Hol and Al Roj constitute inhuman and degrading treatment. The commission argued that forcing people to remain in these facilities is inconsistent with the UK's international human rights obligations.
The report highlights that between 50 and 70 British-linked individuals are stranded, the majority being women. This figure includes between 12 and 30 children, with half of them under the age of ten. The commission stressed the British state's particular duty to protect these children from harm.
Britain's 'Strategic Distance' Policy
The UK's current approach, described as 'strategic distance', involves stripping individuals of citizenship, limiting consular support, and funding Kurdish guards to keep detainees in Syria. This has made Britain an international outlier, as countries like the US, Canada, and several European nations have already repatriated their citizens.
The commission warned that this policy risks turning the Syrian camps into a long-term 'Britain's Guantanamo', a reference to the infamous US detention facility. It recommends a complete reversal, suggesting the government should facilitate voluntary repatriation for all British nationals, even those who have been deprived of their citizenship.
Managing Risk and Public Safety
Contrary to perceived security threats, the review cited research indicating that the balance of risk favours repatriation. Leaving individuals in the camps, it argues, leaves them open to potential further radicalisation. An organised programme of return is presented as the best long-term option for managing risk.
The report proposes practical tools for managing returnees, including travel bans, ongoing investigations, and enrolment in deradicalisation programmes. It also recommends appointing a special envoy to oversee the repatriation process and inform returnees of the likelihood of prosecution.
Shamima Begum, now 26, remains the most prominent detainee in the Al Roj camp. She lost an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship last year. Having travelled to Syria in 2015 at age 15, she has been stranded in the camp since 2019 after her three children died.
Alongside its recommendations on Syria, the commission delivered a damning verdict on the UK's Prevent strategy, stating it is no longer keeping the country safe and requires a radical overhaul.
