Vince Cable

Following the appeal by Vincent Cable, MP, to ministers in the case of the escaped 'slave' from the west African country of Niger, ministers are continuing to refuse him the right to work.

The immigration minister has written back to MP Vincent Cable reaffirming that, as for the last 18 months, he will continue to be refused permission to work. The minister also referred to "past difficulties" in removing him (three deportation attempts have been made but on each occasion he was turned back when the plane had landed in Africa) and suggested that there will be no further attempt at deportation.

Vincent Cable said: "this case illustrates some of the absurdities of asylum law and practice. There is little doubt that Baba Bari is genuine and that he would be returned to slave conditions if he was deported to Niger. Deportation has proved to be impractical in any event. So why not let him work. Support himself and pay tax? Mr Bari is now in limbo: the government can't get rid of him and he cannot support himself".