Family court ruling: Couple who headed for Syria ‘are not a risk to their children’

It was initially feared that the couple had been attempting to travel to Islamic State with their young children, and in April they were detained in Turkey before being sent back to Britain.

Anjem Choudary, the radical Muslim cleric, confirmed to the authorities that Mr Malik was a former member of al-Mujahiroun – the banned group – and called him a “champion for shariah”.

Once the family arrived back in Britain, the children were made wards of court for their own protection.

However, Sir James Munby, president of the High Court’s family division, stated that there was no need for them to be kept away from their parents.

His decision was based on the fact that the police had taken no action against the couple, and because social worker reports highlighted that they posed no risk to their offspring.

In addition to revoking the wardship order, the Judge ruled that the family could be given back their British passports.

Commenting on the social worker’s report relating to the family, Sir James Munby said: “It is my assessment that the intervention of the state has been a wakeup call for this couple.

“It is my assessment that their current beliefs do not pose a risk or will compromise the safety of their children.

“[They] are good parents and they are able to care for all their children. I see no reason whatsoever to remove the children from their care.”

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