Asylum shockers

So in spite of the Governments promise in October to make special allowances for the Iraqi interpreters seeking asylum in the UK, only 75 out of the 200 who applied have been granted leave to remain according to The Times.  Thats hardly upholding its promise of help, surely.  What explanation can The Prime Minister offer?

Meanwhile the asylum authorities decision to return Watford FCs talented midfielder Al Banduras to Sierra Leone has been described as a travesty of justice by some, and by others as completely ludicrous .

  The professional footballer faces death according to todays Independent should he be returned to Sierra Leone having fled the civil conflict there years ago. He has now settled down into British life, started a family and has clearly made a massive contribution to British society.

 Al Banduras case has thrown the spotlight on the situation faced by so many other asylum seekers who seek leave to remain in the UK but are given a stony refusal and face the threat of having to begin their lives all over again in a country which many have left years ago.

  Fairer consideration has to be given to not only to talented footballers or employees of the British army who are in the media spotlight, but also to the hardworking anonymous man and woman who contribute greatly to British life and who have to endure this dreadful process with fewer people shouting in their corner.

Just before I sign off thought Id mention two things quickly. When you have a chance, have a read of Kate Allens piece on Comment is Free : she writes about the recent announcement to return three of the UK residents currently held in Guantánamo Bay. Also tonight poet laureate Andrew Motion and actor from Britz Riz Ahmed will take centre stage here at Amnesty International to recite poems from a new collection of poems written by prisoners being held in Guantánamo Bay .

 Incredibly these poems were originally written on whatever the detainees could get their hands on, such as polystyrene cups. It looks set to be an incredible event.  Keep an eye on as a recording of some of the poems should be posted up later on in the day.

Well, thats all from me for now.  Til the next time!