Anthony Butcher

Liberal Democrats this morning called on the government to grant asylum to Iraqis who have benefited British Armed Services abroad by their employment.

The motion was chosen by popular ballot of conference representatives.

Full text of motion:

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.


More...