UKBA allegations prompt calls to action in Wales
UKBA allegations prompt calls to action in Wales
Following her shocking allegations reported in the Guardian, ex-UKBA case-owner Louise Perrett continues to speak out publically about her experiences.
Ms Perrett recently spoke to the Cross Party Group on Human Rights at the Welsh Assembly about her experience working at the UKBA's Cardiff office.
Following Ms Perrett's presentation, Bethan Jenkins, the Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales, has called for a ‘halt to any deportations planned as a consequence of the casework completed by the Cardiff UKBA office’. Writing for waleshome.org, Jenkins has drawn attention to the disastrous impact that racist unprofessionalism has on the lives of asylum seekers and the need to ensure that those who arrive in the UK in need of help are treated with respect and dignity.
During an interview with the BBC's Assignment radio programme on 13th February, Ms Perrett gave examples of the 'xenophobic' attitude found in the Cardiff UKBA Office. 'We were basically told that they [asylum seekers] are all lying,' she said, 'and that our job is to find the lie.'
The Testimony Project recognises that many UKBA staff members carry out their duties in a professional and sensitive manner; nevertheless, we believe that a thorough investigation of the UKBA Office in Cardiff must be conducted following Ms Perrett’s claims.