Make jihadists spread our message, say MPS

RETURNING jihadists who escape prosecution could be forced to spread anti-isil messages under plans being developed by MPS, amid concerns that just 40 out of 400 of the fighters are behind bars.

Politicians said that if British citizens who come back from Iraq and Syria cannot be locked up, then they should be made to attend a de-radicalisation programme and undertake community service to discourage others from leaving to join militant Islamists.

John Woodcock, a member of the Home Affairs select committee, has written to Ben Wallace, the security minister, to set out the proposals, which could be added to the counterterrorism bill currently going through the House of Commons. In his letter, he calls on ministers to make the scheme retrospective, so it would apply to everyone who had already come back to the UK after joining Isil, unless they were already in jail. Some former extremists already work with the Government’s Prevent scheme to steer young people away from Isil propaganda. The Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said in December that people who leave the UK to fight for Isil should not be allowed back into the country.

Anyone returning to the UK from countries associated with Isil is subjected to a police interview and those deemed dangerous enough are prosecuted and imprisoned. But 360 are currently walking the streets of Britain, fuelling fears that not enough is being done to prevent them from radicalising others. Just 40 are behind bars.

The Home Office said other measures used to monitor people who come back from the war zone include electronic tagging and exclusion orders.

Many returning British nationals have not been involved in active fighting, making it difficult to lock them up.

Just seven are subject to a Terrorism Prevention and Investigative Measures order, which restricts their behaviour.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Woodcock said: “We should be able to compel all returnees to engage in deradicalisation programmes so we can lessen the threat they pose and so they can educate the next generation of potential jihadi recruits about the true nature of this sick regime.”