Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what assessment they have made of the experience of (a) the United States, and (b) other countries, in repatriating their nationals from detention camps in Syria, (2) whether they are considering individual cases, in particular of (a) widows, and (b) fatherless children, and (3) if so, how many individual cases are currently being considered.

The UK continues to work with and learn from our international partners on a range of issues to help address the difficult situation in North East Syria, including in relation to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. It is ultimately a matter for individual countries how they address any situations involving their nationals, including, where applicable, repatriation to the country of origin. We are aware that British nationals, including children, are located in IDP camps in north east Syria. Due to the shifting circumstances on the ground we are not in a position to make an accurate estimate of their number. Where we become aware of British unaccompanied or orphaned children we work with partners to facilitate their return where feasible. Establishing their whereabouts and identity is not straightforward, but we have facilitated a number of such returns to the UK. Each case is considered on a case by case basis, subject to national security concerns.