UK strips citizenship from ‘Jihadi Jack’ dual national

Britain has revoked the citizenship of a dual national Muslim convert to the Islamic State group dubbed “Jihadi Jack” being held in northern Syria, according to reports on Sunday.

The move targeting Jack Letts, 24, who was a dual UK-Canadian national, has prompted a diplomatic row with Ottawa, Britain’s Mail on Sunday reports.

MoS EXCLUSIVE: Jihadi Jack has British citizenship stripped – sparking major row with Canada ahead of PM’s first G7. pic.twitter.com/O5LNe63DBa

— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) August 17, 2019

Former prime minister Theresa May approved the decision — which had been made by then-interior minister Sajid Javid — in one of her last actions before leaving office in early July, the newspaper says.

A spokesperson for Britain’s interior ministry declined to confirm the report, noting it does not routinely comment on individual cases.

“Decisions on depriving a dual national of citizenship are based on substantial advice from officials, lawyers and the intelligence agencies and all available information,” the spokesperson said. “This power is one way we can counter the terrorist threat posed by some of the most dangerous individuals and keep our country safe.”

— AFP