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11/14/2024 06:02:07 pm

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Police To Seize Passports Of Suspected Islamist Fighters, David Cameron Says

PM David Cameron

(Photo : Reuters) Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the House of Commons Wednesday following the release of the beheading of American journalist Steven Sotloff by Islamic terrorist group, ISIL.

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron submitted a proposal to grant police temporary power to seize passports of British nationals suspected of fighting alongside militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

In a meeting in the House of Commons on Monday, Cameron said the British government is working to widen Britain’s anti-terror laws to prevent suspected British jihadi fighters with terrorism-related motives from re-entering the United Kingdom (UK).

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Based on estimates by the British Foreign Office, between 400 and 500 British men have joined forces with Islamic state militants in Syria and Iraq, reports confirmed.

According to some sources, Cameron pointed out that passports are not an automatic right and can be taken away. The government will introduce specific and targeted legislation to fill the gap providing U.K. authorities with power to investigate each individual concerned at the border.

Cameron also added that a new law would be drawn up to reflect current aviation security arrangements. The government requires the airlines to comply with their no-fly list arrangements, indicating the information of passengers available to the law enforcement agencies, and to pass the security screening requirement.

Airlines that are unable to comply with the requirement would not be allowed to fly to Britain, Cameron said.

The U.K. needs to do more to stop extremists from returning to the country. Britain's intelligence agencies believe that they need stronger powers to manage the greater risk posed by suspected terrorists who are already in the country, the Prime Minister added.

Cameron also announced that he would introduce legislation strengthening the ability and power of British authorities to track terror suspects through enhanced use of exclusion zones or relocation powers. This power is in addition to existing terrorism prevention and investigation measures (TPIMs).

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