I AM not sure what crime has been committed by Asif Malik and his partner, Sara Kiran, from Slough, who decided to move their family to Syria.

The British authorities claim they have no knowledge that Mr Malik has any intention to join IS in fighting President Assad’s forces or to engage in any terrorist activity; therefore to arrest or detain him on the presumption he may do either of these two things appears to be refusing him the right to associate with whomsoever he wishes and to travel free from harassment.

Indeed, I think the Government should decline to intervene in the case of anyone who wishes to travel to Syria.

However, if it can be proven the aim of leaving these shores was to support IS or any of its offshoots, perhaps the Government should make it clear that in travelling to Syria the likely outcome is that any British citizen will have their passport and those of their children and dependants revoked, thus making any return to this country impossible.

I feel certain such an action would concentrate the minds of anyone contemplating such a move.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive, Swindon