Gay Asylum Seeker Unlawfully Deported by UK Border Agency

11.31.58pm GMT Fri 20th Feb 2009

Simon Hughes MP speaking during the policy debate on LGBT asylum seekers

A High Court judge has found that the UK Border Agency have illegally deported a gay asylum seeker. The man comes from a country where discrimination against homosexuals is rife, and claims that he fears persecution and violence. Sir George Newman has ordered the Home Secretary to "use her best efforts" to bring him back to the UK so he can make an effective asylum claim. However, the Home Secretary's legal team claim it is pointless to return him as he will lose his claim.

The Liberal Democrats have adopted Federal policy stating that persecution, imprisonment, torture or execution on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity should be valid grounds for asylum claims.