Top English judge slams Starmer's move against Palestinian refugees living in UK
England's most senior judge has criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for saying last week that the government would seek to prevent Palestinian refugees from living in the UK using a refugee scheme established for Ukrainians.
The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales Baroness Sue Carr said she was "deeply troubled" by Starmer's approach.
His statement came after it emerged that a judge had ruled that six Palestinians from Gaza - a mother, a father and four children - could remain in Britain using the Ukraine Family Scheme, a visa programme originally established for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war following Russia's invasion.
The Home Office refused an initial application by the Palestinian family in May last year, but in September an immigration tribunal ruled in their favour.
Opposition Conservative Party MPs slammed the decision last week, with party leader Kemi Badenoch declaring in parliament on Wednesday that it "cannot be allowed to stand".
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Starmer replied: "I do not agree with the decision. She is right, it is the wrong decision."
He added that "the home secretary has already got her team working on closing the loophole. We don't need to wait for that. We're getting on with that because we're taking control."
The Home Office warned that the legal decision would "open the floodgates for all those in conflict zones with family in the UK" to come to Britian.
Respecting judiciary's independence
Justice Carr said on Tuesday that Badenoch's statement and Starmer's response were both "unacceptable".
"It is for the government visibly to respect and protect the independence of the judiciary," she insisted.
"Where parties, including the government, disagree with their findings, they should do so through the appellate process."
According to Sky News, Number 10 said it would not be commenting on Carr's comments.
Independent MP Ayoub Khan tabled a motion in parliament last week urging the British government to "urgently establish" a visa scheme for Palestinians with family ties in Britain.
Khan told MEE the government's move was "disgraceful".
"Very few Palestinians will ever voluntarily leave their home due to the spiritual and sentimental attachment they have to the land," he said.
However, Khan added: "For the minority that do need to leave - whether it’s because of the need for urgent medical treatment or to be reunited with family in Britain - what’s good for one group of persecuted people should be good for everyone.
"The same legal principles should apply whether these people are Ukrainian or Palestinian.
"In Britain we have a proud history of being a country of sanctuary for those fleeing persecution. This is once again the Labour Party appeasing the far right under threat from Reform."
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
