Of discrimination?
Appeal was rejected. The Supreme Court held that Begum’s right to a fair hearing was legitimately trumped by public safety.
Fourthly and finally, the Supreme Court agreed with the first tribunal that the application of the existing extraterritorial human rights policy by the Home Secretary was not unreasonable. In essence this meant the opinion of the Home Secretary – that depriving Begum of her citizenship would not expose her to mistreatment – rightfully stood.
Yesterday’s judgment will have been met with both satisfaction and sadness. Whilstthepositionfrom Begum’s perspective is bleak, there is the possibility that she can continue her appeal against deprivation at some point in the future. There is also the possibility of her case being taken to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
The Supreme Court’s judgment is of great importance to Begum and may also influence future citizenship deprivation practice. It also raises several broader and underlying questions. Why do British nationals and residents choose to travel abroad to support and fight with organisations hostile to the UK? What is the appropriate response to that activity? What exactly does citizenship entail? Have racism and sexism affected the perception of Begum by the public and media?
For most people, the notion of travelling abroad to support or fight with a terrorist group is unfathomable. For a small minority, it is thought appropriate or indeed necessary. Why? Is this a function of radicalisation? Social isolation and ghettoisation? Educational failings and deprivation?
The answer is most likely a combination of these. Research and action are urgently needed to understand and affect the behaviour of individuals considering that course of action.
Where British nationals and residents make that choice, the UK government must respond. The question is how?
On the statute books are measures providing for the loss of citizenship and temporary exclusion from the country. Laws also criminalise giving support to outlawed organisations and entering certain ‘hot-spots’ around the world.
Of these, citizenship deprivation is the worst penalty. It may create martyrs and foment greater enmity against Britain amongst radicalised and hostile groups abroad. In many cases, it is an abrogation of responsibility by the UK to other countries and the international community. A proportionate response that punishes, as far as possible deters, expresses societal disapproval, rehabilitates and reintegrates is what is required.
Citizenship is traditionally understood as membership of a polity, with reciprocal obligations of allegiance and protection upon the individual and state. A birth-right, existential to one’s identity in the modern world and permanent.
Is this conception now archaic? Has citizenship become transient, disposable, a commodity to be sold and withdrawn? There are grave dangers in this conception. Simply, the duty of countries to prevent statelessness and to protect their citizens – good and bad – must prevail.
Begum has been demonised in parts of the media and public consciousness. She is considered a traitor by many. Why has she given rise to such strong feelings? Her interview with a national newspaper in February 2019 where she showed no remorse is partly the reason.
What other factors are at play? Are racism and sexism also responsible? That Begum has been singled out appears to support that proposition. The majority of so-called UK foreign terrorist fighters have been allowed to return to the country.
Shamima Begum will soon slip away from public consciousness. Her plight in a Syrian camp will be forgotten. Her non-criminal punishment for foolhardy actions taken whilst a young girl has been confirmed as banishment. The Supreme Court yesterday offered her very little hope.