https://news.sky.com/story/shamima-...al-against-removal-of-uk-citizenship-13078300
Shamima Begum has lost an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship.
The east London schoolgirl, now 24, travelled to Syria in 2015 at the age of 15, before her citizenship was revoked on national security grounds shortly after she was found in a refugee camp in 2019.
After a series of legal battles, Ms Begum lost a challenge at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) in February last year - but took her case to the Court of Appeal in October.
This morning, Dame Sue Carr, one of the appeal judges who ruled on the case, said they agreed with the commission's decision on Ms Begum's citizenship and dismissed her appeal.
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Shamima Begum loses appeal
The judge said: "Ms Begum may well have been influenced and manipulated by others but still have made a calculated decision to travel to Syria and align with ISIL [Islamic State]."
She added: "It could be argued the decision in Ms Begum's case was harsh. It could also be argued that Ms Begum is the author of her own misfortune.
"But it is not for this court to agree or disagree with either point of view.
"The only task of the court was to assess whether the deprivation decision was unlawful. Since it was not, Ms Begum's appeal is dismissed."
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Begum ruling: ISIS thrives in Syria camps
Ms Begum, who remains in a refugee camp in northern Syria, was represented at her appeal by Samantha Knights KC, who argued the government had failed to consider legal duties owed to a potential victim of trafficking.
But the Home Office, represented by Sir James Eadie KC, said the "key feature" of Ms Begum's case is national security.
Ms Begum's legal team is likely to appeal against the latest ruling, with arguments over the consequences of today's judgment adjourned for seven days.
Her solicitor Daniel Furner said: "We are not going to stop fighting until she does get justice and until she is safely back home."
One of her lawyers, Gareth Peirce, told Sky News home editor Jason Farrell ahead of the hearing: "As long as she is there, it is not the end."
Speaking after the ruling she said it was too early to say whether they would take the case to the Supreme Court but urged the government to follow other countries and repatriate Ms Begum without being forced by the courts.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the Court of Appeal has found in favour of our position in this case.
"Our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of the UK and we will robustly defend any decision made in doing so".
What are the arguments for and against her return?
Announcing the SIAC decision last February, Mr Justice Jay said "the real merits of Ms Begum's case" involved her arguments that she had been the victim of trafficking.
The tribunal found there was a "credible suspicion" Ms Begum was "recruited, transferred and then harboured for the purpose of sexual exploitation".
