Tories cut key clause in asylum Bill
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOHN RENTOUL
Political Correspondent
The Government backed down yesterday over a key clause of its Asylum Bill, designed to make it harder for bogus refugees to enter Britain.
Labour claimed that Mohamed al-Masari, the Saudi dissident deported to the Caribbean island of Dominica, would probably have been sent back to Saudi Arabia if the clause of the proposed legislation had been in force at the time of his arrival.
Under the clause which the Government dropped yesterday, Dr Masari would have been sent back to Yemen, from where he arrived in Britain, and would have had to appeal against the refusal of asylum from there.
But the British adjudicator in Dr Masari's case ruled that his removal to Yemen would be "unsafe", according to Doug Henderson, Labour's home affairs spokesman. The adjudicator accepted that the Yemeni authorities could have removed him to Saudi Arabia, where he feared persecution.
Earlier this month the Government said it would send Dr Masari to the Caribbean in order to maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia, an important arms export market.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments