Safeguard: Suspected jihadists returning to UK will have passports seized

Britain Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled new anti-terror measures to deal with the threat from Islamist militant groups in Iraq and Syria. Cameron told the Commons “we need a firm security response” to the threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (also known as ISIL or ISIS), which has taken over large parts of the two countries. Cameron said ISIS was a direct threat to every European nation, and claimed around 500 British nationals had gone to the region to fight in the conflicts there.

The government is considering a range of measures to keep the country safe in the face of an increased threat level from Islamist extremism.

Government source, speaking to Sky News

Cameron said the government will introduce legislation to give police temporary powers to seize passports from suspects at UK borders. He added there would be “appropriate safeguards.” He also said airlines will have to give UK authorities information on passenger lists to help identify Islamist fighters and also comply with security screening requirements. And if the companies do not, then their flights will not be able to land in Britain, Cameron added.

We are also looking at stopping British citizens from re-entering the country if they are suspected of terrorist activity abroad.

Government source