The Government has been accused of deserting former Iraqi interpreters who risked their lives for Britain, after announcing that it would close its assistance scheme in a fortnight. MPs from all three parties have described the assistance scheme as deliberately restrictive and called for a review. The scheme gives former interpreters, cleaners and other local employees a chance to relocate to Britain or receive a one-off cash sum to stay in Iraq or resettle in a neighbouring country such as Jordan.
U.K. Turns Its Back On Iraq Interpreters:
Britain is shaming itself.
Its army came to Iraq, recruited local interpreters and others to help in its war effort, and is now abandoning them.
Insurgent death squads view those who help the British as traitors; by refusing to offer asylum, the U.K. is condemning them and their families to rape, torture, exile and murder.
The reports about what happens to interpreters are gruesome. The London Times tells of 30-year-old Haidr al-Murty: ”Holes were drilled into his hands and knees before both legs were broken and acid poured over his face. Finally, he was shot in the head.” CBS