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Watford's labour MP, Claire Ward, is to ask the Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, to use his discretionary powers to prevent Watford FC midfield player, Al Bangura, being deported.
Watford have instructed their legal team to start preparing an appeal after Al Bangura was told by the Asylum and Immigration Authorities today that he would have to return to his home country of Sierra Leone.
The MP said:"I am really disappointed in the decision by the tribunal and I believe that they have made a serious mistake. I have supported Al's case from the beginning including making representations as part of the tribunal case.This young man came to the UK in difficult circumstances and was given the right to remain until he was 18. His only good fortune during those years was to have his skill recognised by Watford FC and to have the chance to turn his life around. This he has done and he is now both a significant contributor to the UK economy and the local Watford area.
I believe that some common sense should prevail and that the courts should recognise that if he is returned to his home country not only will he be at risk but he will have no chance to continue with the career that he has built successfully in the UK. That must surely be a disproportionate response given that he is making a contribution to the UK. I see many cases of asylum and some are stronger cases than others. It is probably true that the media would not be interested in most of them and they have shown an interest in Al because he is a footballer. But frankly that does not change the basis of his case which is one where natural justice should allow him to remain in the UK.
I shall be working with Watford FC and Al's lawyers to see what else we can do to challenge this decision. I shall also be appealing to the Minister Liam Byrne MP to use his discretion and to grant Al the right to remain in the UK. Fans can help to support the case by e-mailing me and I will add their name to a petition to show the strength of feeling in the town and beyond"
Miss Ward said that she was planning to launch a petition on her web site asking supporters to write to her so that she could pass their comments on to the Home Office.
If you would like to sign Claire's petition please register your support via her parliamentary email:
wardc@parliament.uk
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