Persecution and a cause for anger

WITH mounting anger, I read two separate articles (Yorkshire Post, January 26). The first, entitled “suicide risk terror suspect can stay in UK”, reported the case of an Algerian terror suspect believed to have been involved in arranging travel for fellow terrorists, who does not dispute posing a threat to national security, having won the right to stay in Britain. The reason? The Special Immigration Appeals Commission have decided in their infinite wisdom that he poses a suicide risk if returned to Algeria, thus to do so would be a violation of – guess what – his human rights.

These human rights presumably include posing a very real threat to UK citizens going about their everyday business. Well, isn’t that just a shame? SIAC should be extremely proud of this, their latest in a long line of such rulings which can only increase the threat of continued terrorist atrocities perpetrated by these cowardly individuals.

The second article, “Child sex offender spared deportation loses battle for detention damages”, concerned an illegal immigrant who was part of a group who lured schoolgirls to a house and sexually abused them. He cannot, however, be deported because he belongs to a “persecuted tribe”. To add insult to injury, this poor, persecuted sex offender felt the need to claim damages against the Government for his unlawful detention during its failed attempt to return him to Sudan: he considered he was entitled to such damages under – guess what again – the human rights laws that protect against degrading and inhuman treatment, presumably similar to that inflicted on his teenage victims. Have we all gone mad?

From: K Bagot, The Terrace, Honley, Holmfirth.

After reading the Algerian terror suspect that cannot be deported in case he takes his own life (Yorkshire Post, January 26), the only conclusion to draw is that the justice system in this country these days is absolutely abysmal.

This man says he will take his own life if he is deported. To me that is a child-like statement, blackmail even. How can one’s human rights be breached by being deported? He does not dispute posing a threat to our national security.

From: David Algar, Low Bridge Park, Abbey Road, Knaresborough.

your article on Bulgarian immigration and the comments made by a Bulgarian Minister Nikolay Mladenov (Yorkshire Post, February 4) could perhaps be expanded to articulate the background issues which drive immigration.

The most pressing problem facing the world today is its present population and projected growth.

Naturally the emerging economies seek to use their wealth to raise living standards for their peoples whereas the developed economies strive to restore former glories. Non-developed economies gaze on in despair as they cannot compete effectively for resources.

The simple truth is that the planet’s resources such as energy, food production and raw materials cannot satisfy projected demand. Apparent unrelated issues such as climate change, pollution, conflict and disease are direct consequences of endeavouring to meet demand expectations. Immigration is merely an understandable short cut for those wishing for a fairer resource allocation.

Unfortunately we have two drivers which together render probable solutions unlikely. Curbs on population are not a vote winner and finally, orthodox religious teaching is totally out of step with contemporary problems.

Bring the King to the Minster

From: FG Thompson, Barnsley.

NOW that the remains discovered in Leicester have been confirmed as those of Richard III, I, along with a growing number of others, feel they should finally rest in York Minister.

Richard III was of the House of York, he loved Yorkshire and was held in great affection in Yorkshire. He loved his residence of Middleham Castle and there are many places across Yorkshire that have connections with Richard III. In my local area, for instance, there is All Saints Church at Darton, near Barnsley and Sandal Castle near Wakefield.

Richard, of course, visited York many times and after his coronation it seems he planned to be buried in York Minister, which was a very radical decision as traditionally, medieval monarchs were interred in Westminster Abbey.

Therefore, with these and Richard’s other connections with Yorkshire, it is fitting and so right that his final resting place should be in York Minister and not Leicester, which has been suggested.

If you agree Richard III should be re-interred in York Minster, please support the current campaign.