Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2005.

Iraq: Asylum Seekers

Question: Following the letter from the Minister of State for the Home Office, Mr Tony McNulty, of 18 October stating that operational issues had developed which would prevent the removal of failed Iraqi asylum seekers within a reasonable timeframe, why the Home Office announced the recommencement of removals, starting on 20 November.

Answer: The Home Office announced its intention to commence an enforced returns programme to Iraq in February 2004. Having these arrangements in place brings Iraq into line with arrangements we have for other countries. As my honourable friend’s letter dated 18 October highlighted, we were obliged to defer an enforced return in October for logistical reasons. These reasons have now been worked through and resolved, which resulted in the first enforced return flight on 20 November.

Secondary information