Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to launch an independent inquiry into the potential involvement of foreign intelligence services in facilitating British children’s entry into Syria for the purpose of joining IS.

We do not comment on individual cases, operational intelligence or security matters.

There are currently no plans to launch an independent inquiry in response to media speculation.

It would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of Ms Begum’s case whilst legal proceedings are ongoing.

The Government’s top priority remains maintaining our national security and keeping the public safe.