Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Thursday, 30 April 2009.

Iraq: Gay People

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 22 April (HL2772), to what extent they take into consideration reports of the persecution of gay men and women when deciding to return Iraqi individuals with no right to stay in the United Kingdom.

Answer: The UK Border Agency continually monitors the situation in all asylum intake countries, gathering information from a wide range of recognised and respected sources including governmental and non-governmental organisation and media reports. No credible reports of mistreatment will be ignored. Asylum and human rights decision makers take full account of this information when deciding whether an individual would be at risk on return to their country of origin and therefore whether they are in need of international protection. The UK Border Agency will only seek to enforce the return of individuals who do not need such protection.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3020; 710 c67WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Iraq: Gay People
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Deportation Homosexuality Iraq
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk