Ministers fail to speak up for Iraqi interpreters

MB October 10, 2008, 8:17 am

Miliband tight-lipped Only one UK minister who has used the services of Iraqi interpreters on visits to Iraq has spoken up in favour of their welfare and resettlement in the UK. The interpreters have risked their lives to assist UK ministers in Iraq.

Adam Ingram, Armed Forces Minister from 2001 to 2007, was the only politician out of 16 to give his view in a survey by The Times. “People took risks, and they were paid well, but I do think there is a sense of duty and responsibility towards them,” he said.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office said: “The Government respects and values the brave and courageous contribution to the UK effort in Iraq made by its locally engaged staff. We made clear at the outset that . . . no simple solutions were possible. We recognise that many faced serious risks as a result of working for the UK.

“We thought long and hard before coming forward with a fair and balanced scheme last October which reflected our gratitude for their work. Having employed many thousands of Iraqis since 2003, it was impractical for us to help them all.

“We may review specific elements in the light of experience, but overall we believe that this is a fair and honourable scheme.”

The ministers and former ministers who have been silent are Gordon Brown, David Miliband, Geoff Hoon, Jack Straw, Hilary Benn, Baroness Scotland, Des Browne, Bob Ainsworth, Kim Howells, Douglas Alexander, Mike O’Brien, Tony Blair, John Reid, Margaret Beckett and Lord Goldsmith.