MPs

Sadly, experience suggests that despite the promises of our leaders, actual progress in the reviews of government policy may have been "lost in the system". You decide.

It is now past six weeks ago that both the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and his Secretary of State for Defence, The Right Hon. Des Browne, both referred to a review of the current policy relating to Iraqi nationals who were applying for asylum in the United Kingdom; specifically, those Iraqis who were now being targeted by militias because of their employment by coalition forces, or UK / US Governments.

Meanwhile, I am now receiving several emails each day from people in fear of their lives. I decided that now was the time to investigate what progress is being made with the review.

Sadly, on searching various government websites, I could find no reference to this matter. Part of me speculates that there is a degree of "bad news being buried" by the Government, and any issue relating to the British military operation in Iraq appears to bring on soundbites, nervous sweating and yet more promises of endless reviews, etc.

I started by calling the Ministry of Defence. Since the UK military has been one of the biggest employers of Iraqi nationals in Southern Iraq, since 2003, I figured this as a good starting point.

Well done to the Liberal Democrats, who have called on the Labour Government to grant asylum to those at risk.

Quote:

Asylum for Iraqis Working for British Forces

Conference believes that the Government has a moral obligation to provide asylum to those Iraqis and their families whose work for the British forces, particularly as linguists, has left them in fear of their lives and vulnerable to torture and murder.

Conference notes that other countries involved in the Iraq war, notably Denmark and the USA, have made arrangements to accept such refugees who help their respective forces.

Conference therefore:

1. Urges the Government to respond positively to the e-petition on this subject which has appeared on the Downing Street website.

2. Calls on the Government to make immediate arrangements to assist those who have risked their lives and who remain in danger because of their service to British forces.

Asylum for Iraqis Working for British Forces

Conference believes that the Government has a moral obligation to provide asylum to those Iraqis and their families whose work for the British forces, particularly as linguists, has left them in fear of their lives and vulnerable to torture and murder.

Conference notes that other countries involved in the Iraq war, notably Denmark and the USA, have made arrangements to accept such refugees who help their respective forces.

Conference therefore:

We are holding a briefing on 9th October 2007 in London, to update British Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, on the current situation regarding Iraqi translators and locally employed contractors (LEC's) who are at risk. Please ensure that your elected representative is aware of this date, and ask him/her to attend the briefing.

The meeting will take place in Parliament in Committee Room 14 (St Stephen’s Entrance) from 7-9pm on Tuesday 9th October 2007.

To contact your MP, visit www.TheyWorkForYou.com.

We have already made sure invitations have been sent to every British MP, but knowing they are representing interested constituents gives them the best reason to attend.