James Cleverly warns church against interfering in asylum cases

Home Secretary urges church leaders to refrain from influencing asylum claims

James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, has issued a caution to church leaders, advising them against intervening in asylum cases. He emphasized the distinction between welcoming newcomers to a congregation and advocating for individuals to avoid deportation.

Backing an end to secret justice in immigration courts

Mr. Cleverly expressed support for the cessation of undisclosed justice in British immigration courts. He highlighted the importance of transparency by endorsing the publication of more information on cases and documents used in decision-making by Immigration Tribunals.

The case of Abdul Ezedi and the Clapham chemical attack

The warning follows a public outcry over Abdul Ezedi, who secured asylum after a Baptist minister supported his case. Ezedi, responsible for a chemical attack in Clapham, misled authorities about his background and religious conversion to Christianity.

Concerns over exploitation of the asylum system

Mr. Cleverly emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the asylum system to prevent abuse. He stressed the risk of individuals exploiting loopholes, potentially undermining the vital contributions of Christians and churches to society.

Reports of asylum seekers falsely claiming conversion to Christianity

Whistleblowers have revealed instances of asylum seekers falsely professing conversion to Christianity to evade deportation. Reverend Matthew Firth testified that numerous individuals from Iran and Syria engaged in fraudulent baptisms without genuine commitment to the faith.