Pressure on Britain to repatriate nationals detained in ISIS camps

Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis has said that the continued refusal of the British government to repatriate British nationals detained in Isis camps is "isolating us from our closest international allies."

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), more than 42,000 foreigners with links to IS remain in camps and prisons in north-east Syria. 36 countries have so far announced plans to repatriate detainees, including Germany, France Belgium, Norway, Ireland, Sweden, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands.

“The humanitarian and national security arguments in favour of repatriations are overwhelming,” Davis told the Telegraph.

“Britain should not have to be shamed by the example of its allies into taking the proper course and bringing our nationals back, including to face prosecutions if appropriate.”

Last week a court in Canada ordered the repatriation of 24 women and children held in camps north-east Syria, the biggest groups returned to the country so far.

In January, the Spain became the latest European country to start bringing its citizens home since the ground war against the militant group ended almost four years ago.

In July last year, Paris moved to repatriate 16 women and 35 children, some of them orphans, in chartered planes. On arrival in France, eight women were taken into custody for questioning and the other eight were detained on arrest warrants. The children were placed in the care of social services.