UK govt plans to revoke IS teen's citizenship

The UK government is planning to revoke Shamima Begum's British citizenship. Begum, when 15, along with her two friends fled to Syria in 2015 to join IS. Now She has baby and wants to return home.

London: A lawyer for the family of Shamima Begum, who left London four years ago while still a minor to join the Islamic State group, said the UK government plans to revoke her British citizenship.

A copy of the letter sent to Begum's mother informing her of the decision was obtained by a media house and shows the Home Office asking her to "ensure the Home Secretary's decision is brought to" Shamima Begum's attention.

Attorney Tasnime Akunjee tweeted on Tuesday that the family is "very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship."

He said the family is "considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision."

Begum ran away with two friends in 2015, when she was 15, and travelled to Syria.

Now 19, she says she has given birth to a baby and wants to come home.

The case has reignited a debate in the UK about how to deal with citizens who joined IS but now want to return.

The Home Office declined to comment.