UK Faces Renewed Debate Over Repatriation of Shamima Begum and Other ISIS Members

Trump's incoming adviser clarifies stance, as UK leaders remain steadfast against allowing Begum's return.

Donald Trump's incoming counterterrorism adviser, Sebastian Gorka, stated the US will not pressure the UK to repatriate Shamima Begum or other former ISIS members.
Shamima Begum, who left the UK at age 15 to join ISIS, was stripped of her British citizenship in 2019 and has been denied legal challenges to return.
UK political leaders, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Labour Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have reiterated their opposition to Begum's return, citing national security concerns.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed a shift in perspective, stating he is now 'thoughtful' about the issue but remains hesitant to support repatriation.
Experts, including the UK’s independent terrorism legislation reviewer, argue that repatriation could be a pragmatic approach to managing national security risks, though the debate remains unresolved.