REFUSAL OF UK VISA FOR HELEN BERHANE

Early day motion 1531, tabled 3 March 2011 by Jeffrey Donaldson (DUP). Signed by 41 members.

That this House regrets the decision by the UK Border Agency to refuse a visa for Helen Berhane to enter the UK; recalls the enormous suffering and persecution endured by Helen whilst held prisoner in Eritrea in appalling conditions in a shipping container where she was tortured, abused and beaten because of her strong Christian faith; notes that Helen desires to share with people in the UK a message of hope, peace and reconciliation; and calls on the Home Office to intervene urgently to ensure that this decision is reviewed and a visa issued to Helen Berhane.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 10, DUP 8, Conservative 7, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.