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Javid could enforce Syria travel ban

Under new counter terrorism powers, introduced in February, Home Secretary Sajid Javid has warned that he could ban British nationals from Syria.

The Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act allows the Home Secretary to ban people from travelling to, or remaining in, designated areas, with a failure to comply leaving offenders facing a maximum prison sentence of ten years.

Speaking to senior security officials in London on 20 May, Javid will, for the first time, outline how he plans to use the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act, warning British nationals who are currently in Syria without good reason that they should be 'on notice'.

The Home Secretary warned in February that 900 people from the UK were estimated to have joined ISIS in Syria and Iraq, with 40 per cent of that figure belived to still be in the region. A further 40 per cent is estimated to have returned and 20 per cent killed.

He is expected to say: "I've asked my officials to work closely with the police and intelligence agencies to urgently review the case for exercising this power in relation to Syria, with a particular focus on Idlib and the north east. So anyone who is in these areas without a legitimate reason should be on notice."

Javid is also expected to use the speech to highlight the importance of ongoing international co-operation in combatting global terrorism.

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