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British IS fighters ‘must be killed’: Rory Stewart

The minister for international development has said that the only way to deal with British IS fighters in Syria is in almost every case to kill them. Rory Stewart said converts to the so-called Islamic State had moved away from any allegiance to Britain and believed in an ‘extremely hateful doctrine’. He said they can expect to be killed because of the ‘serious danger’ they pose to the UK. Stewart made the remarks after a top US envoy for the coalition fighting IS said his mission was to ensure every foreign fighter in Syria dies there. Asked about the comments on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Pienaar’s Politics, Stewart said: “They are absolutely dedicated, as members of the Islamic State, towards the creation of a caliphate. "They believe in an extremely hateful doctrine which involves killing themselves, killing others and trying to use violence and brutality to create an 8th century, or 7th century, state. "So I'm afraid we have to be serious about the fact these people are a serious danger to us, and unfortunately, the only way of dealing with them will be, in almost every case, to kill them." Stewart’s comments, which are said to be consistent with the position set out by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, contrast those of Max Hill QC, independent review of terrorism legislation. Max Hill said UK authorities told the BBC that Britons who in IS through ‘naivety’ should be spared prosecution if they return home, and UK authorities should instead look at reintegrating such people.

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