Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of (a) updating the law on treason and (b) bringing forward legislative proposals to ensure that British citizens who travel to conflict zones in order to support groups which promote terrorist attacks on the UK will thereby make themselves liable for substantial terms of imprisonment on return to the UK.   [163141]

[Due for Answer on 9 March.] 

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Future Borders and Immigration (Kevin Foster): Treason offences are being considered as part of the Home Office’s ongoing wider review of legislation that also includes countering hostile activity by states. This work has not reached any conclusions yet. Individuals can be convicted in UK courts of offences committed overseas (including preparation of terrorism, encouragement of terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation). Where individuals do return to the UK after engaging in conflict overseas, they will be investigated and, where there is evidence crimes have been committed, they should expect to face prosecution.