By Karim Adel El-Sayed
ANKARA
The lower house of the British parliament published Wednesday its final report into the issue of foreign fighters leaving the U.K. for warzones abroad.
The Home Affairs Select Committee report, entitled "Counter-terrorism: Foreign Fighters," is aimed at stopping international terrorists who prey on young British citizens.
With regards to preventing radicalization, the report proposed improved communication between police, schools and community groups and a hotline open to all, but particularly parents, to "express concerns about a particular individual."
It also suggested that social media companies should suspend the accounts of those who promote extremism.
To prevent individuals from traveling abroad as foreign fighters, the report proposed fostering closer ties with airlines that serve "destinations of concern" such as Syria, Iraq and Somalia to "develop stricter controls for passengers traveling there."
The report also suggested that police must alert airlines faster if they believe young people are heading to Syria.
"Once people reach even countries like Turkey, it may be too late. No-fly lists should be strictly adhered to and shared internationally," the report said.
Keith Vaz (pictured), an MP and the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: "The number of cases being brought to public attention should ring alarm bells."
"Radical groups from abroad are preying on young British citizens through social media to encourage them to travel abroad to join them," he warned. "Schools and the police must inform parents immediately, and work with them even if there is the smallest hint of radicalization."
"This must be a relentless battle for hearts and minds… We are at the edge of a cliff," he added.
