Begum v Secretary of State for the Home Department

[2021] UKSC 7

Ratio Decidendi

The deprivation of citizenship on national security grounds is lawful where the person's return poses a security risk. The right to an effective appeal does not require that the person be allowed to enter the UK.

Facts

Shamima Begum's British citizenship was revoked after she joined ISIS. She argued she could not effectively appeal from a Syrian camp.

Judgment Summary

The Supreme Court held that national security considerations could override procedural fairness requirements. SIAC could stay the appeal until she could participate, rather than allowing her return.

Key Quotes

"The right to a fair hearing does not trump all other considerations, such as the safety of the public."
— Lord Reed

Subsequent Treatment

Applied

Definitive case on citizenship deprivation and national security.