Question to the Attorney General:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Keen of Elie on 7 March (HL5766), whether they will set out what they regard as the public interest in prosecuting UK citizens who fought against ISIL forces in Syria, and not prosecuting those who fought against UK-backed forces in Syria.

The decision to prosecute UK citizens who fought in Syria is taken independently of Government by the CPS with the permission of the Attorney General as the guardian of the public interest where required by statute. The public interest in prosecuting these cases is considered on a case by case basis taking account of the factors set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the surrounding circumstances. There is no policy of prosecuting those who fought against ISIL forces and not prosecuting those who fought against UK-backed forces.