05/06/2003
Saddam’s family will not be granted asylum
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson has said that Saddam Hussein’s family will not be allowed to claim asylum in Britain.
Responding to media reports that Saddam Hussein’s two daughters and his wife may submit applications for asylum, the PMOS said that there was no question of them coming to Britain as their application would be rejected.
He said that no application could be considered from any member of Saddam Hussein’s family “who might have been involved in human rights abuses”.
However junior Home Office minister Beverly Hughes speaking on Radio 4 said that while an application to travel the UK could be opposed, the women’s case would be considered if they travelled to the UK.
In an article earlier this week The Sun claimed that the daughters Raghad (35) and Rana (33) were planning to set up home in Leeds with their ten children. Both of the daughters’ husbands were killed in 1996 when they returned from Jordan to Iraq.
The speculation arose after a cousin of Saddam Hussein’s, Mr Izzi-Din al-Majid, had claimed that the two women wanted to travel to the UK from Iraq. Mr al-Majid, who fled Iraq in 1995, has asylum in the UK.
Meanwhile the Daily Mail had suggested that Saddam Hussein’s wife Sajida (66) was also seeking asylum in Britain.
It is understood that no applications are currently under consideration by the Home Office.
(SP)
Responding to media reports that Saddam Hussein’s two daughters and his wife may submit applications for asylum, the PMOS said that there was no question of them coming to Britain as their application would be rejected.
He said that no application could be considered from any member of Saddam Hussein’s family “who might have been involved in human rights abuses”.
However junior Home Office minister Beverly Hughes speaking on Radio 4 said that while an application to travel the UK could be opposed, the women’s case would be considered if they travelled to the UK.
In an article earlier this week The Sun claimed that the daughters Raghad (35) and Rana (33) were planning to set up home in Leeds with their ten children. Both of the daughters’ husbands were killed in 1996 when they returned from Jordan to Iraq.
The speculation arose after a cousin of Saddam Hussein’s, Mr Izzi-Din al-Majid, had claimed that the two women wanted to travel to the UK from Iraq. Mr al-Majid, who fled Iraq in 1995, has asylum in the UK.
Meanwhile the Daily Mail had suggested that Saddam Hussein’s wife Sajida (66) was also seeking asylum in Britain.
It is understood that no applications are currently under consideration by the Home Office.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2005
Asylum applications fall by 11%
The number of asylum applications fell by 11% in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. It was announced that 6,220 asylum seekers, excluding dependents, arrived in the UK between April and June this year.
Asylum applications fall by 11%
The number of asylum applications fell by 11% in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. It was announced that 6,220 asylum seekers, excluding dependents, arrived in the UK between April and June this year.
17 May 2005
Asylum applications fall by 17%
Asylum applications dropped by 17% over the first three months of 2005, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. The Home Office’s quarterly statistics also showed that monthly applications are now at their lowest level since March 1997.
Asylum applications fall by 17%
Asylum applications dropped by 17% over the first three months of 2005, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. The Home Office’s quarterly statistics also showed that monthly applications are now at their lowest level since March 1997.
25 May 2004
Asylum applications fall by a fifth: government figures
The number of asylum applications has fallen by a fifth in the past quarter, according to statistics published today. The Home Office published its latest quarterly asylum statistics which found that asylum applications has nose-dived by more than 60% since October 2002.
Asylum applications fall by a fifth: government figures
The number of asylum applications has fallen by a fifth in the past quarter, according to statistics published today. The Home Office published its latest quarterly asylum statistics which found that asylum applications has nose-dived by more than 60% since October 2002.
22 November 2005
Failed asylum seekers removals increase
The number of failed asylum seekers removed from Britain increased by 12% to 3,460 in the third quarter of this year, Home Office figures have shown. People from Serbia and Montenegro, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan accounted for most of the removals.
Failed asylum seekers removals increase
The number of failed asylum seekers removed from Britain increased by 12% to 3,460 in the third quarter of this year, Home Office figures have shown. People from Serbia and Montenegro, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan accounted for most of the removals.
08 May 2003
Report slams government's asylum policy
The all-party Home Affairs Select committee has published a report today criticising the government over its policy on asylum.
Report slams government's asylum policy
The all-party Home Affairs Select committee has published a report today criticising the government over its policy on asylum.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.