The government’s continuing refusal to offer asylum to the Afghan pilot shows how much ministers have become blinded by their obsession with morally repugnant policy.
When Afghanistan was abandoned, the UK (and their allies) gave assurances to assist those who had worked with them and who would be in danger from the Taliban. How exactly the pilot arrived on our shores is irrelevant; the real issue at stake here is the value of a promise made by the UK. If we break our promises and threaten to treat people like he is being treated, then we can expect little assistance in the future when we might need it.
This pilot, and all others in a similar situation, deserve to be treated with respect, integrity, and humanity and in accordance with promises made. I am ashamed to be associated with the “values” that the government is prioritising in this case.
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