In response to the Court of Appeal ruling today that the Afghan men who hijacked a plane in order to claim asylum in Britain should be given Discretionary Leave to remain, Tim Finch, Director of Communications said:

“It is now time for the Home Office to accept the ruling of the courts. All it means is that the Afghan men will now be able to work and contribute to this country, rather than living off benefits.

“No one wants to see hi-jacking rewarded or encouraged, but the fact is successive courts have ruled that these men were fleeing from a tyrannical regime, faced death if they were returned and are allowed to stay in the UK.

“The men have publicly acknowledged the shock and outrage their actions caused. The best way to move forward now is for them to work and make a meaningful contribution to our society, until they can safely return home.”

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