Government to close lifeline for Iraqi interpreters in two weeks
From The Times
The Government has been accused of deserting former Iraqi interpreters who risked their lives for Britain, after announcing that it would close its assistance scheme in a fortnight.
Britain’s treatment of the Iraqis was compared last night with that of the Gurkhas as it emerged that scores of families are still living in fear of being murdered by militias who accuse them of collaborating with the enemy.
MPs from all three parties have described the assistance scheme as deliberately restrictive and called for a review. The scheme gives former interpreters, cleaners and other local employees a chance to relocate to Britain or receive a one-off cash sum to stay in Iraq or resettle in a neighbouring country such as Jordan.
It was launched a year and a half ago after a Times campaign and is limited to those who have worked 12 consecutive months — a requirement often difficult to prove given the volatile environment in Iraq. People are only eligible to apply if they worked for a year from January 1, 2005. Many interpreters were forced to quit earlier because of intimidation.
The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, said that the programme would close on May 19 for all former staff. He believes that enough time has passed for eligible candidates to apply.
The Tory MP David Lidington said that he had written to Mr Miliband. “I cannot see why they are in such a rush,” he said. “If the numbers [of outstanding applicants] are small then what is the harm in keeping it open and if the numbers are large then it is being wound up prematurely.
“Britain has a duty to help anyone who is in danger because they worked for our Armed Forces. We have been concerned for a long time that the criteria for the scheme has been drawn strictly and inflexibly.”
Lynne Featherstone, the Liberal Democrat MP, said: “There are going to be people still in danger. The enemy is still out there. It is mean-spirited.”
Keith Vaz, a Labour MP and chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: “In the last week we have seen echoes of this in the government handling of the Gurkha situation.”
Daniel Leader, a barrister for Leigh Day & Co, said that both policies were designed to win publicity points rather than ensure that all worthy applicants get help.
The firm is examining the plight of more than 100 Iraqis and their families who so far have received nothing from Britain. They include an interpreter who worked under contract for a week short of the one-year minimum. Another interpreter abandoned by Britain was shot twice in the head by militants as he drove to work at a base in Basra in 2004.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “The Locally Engaged Staff Assistance Scheme is for people with a substantial employment relationship with the British Government. This is defined as working in a professional and public role alongside us for a year or more. Those who have worked for shorter periods are not eligible. We think this is reasonable.” Both the Foreign Office and the Home Office said that there were no plans to review its policy.
Up to 20,000 Iraqis have worked for Britain since March 2003. Under the scheme, 123 workers and their families have begun new lives in Britain. A further 273 Iraqis are due to arrive by August, while 544 people opted for cash to stay in Iraq or move elsewhere.
Hundreds were rejected and received nothing. All appeals must be heard by June 30. A decision has yet to be made on how long to keep the scheme open for Iraqis still working for the British mission as it winds down.
No comments:
Post a Comment