Return of unsuccessful asylum seekers to Zimbabwe

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th Jul 2005

Annette Brooke MP has raised the case of her former constituent Williard Chinhanhu whose situation has been highlighted by the local media in recent weeks.

MPs in Westminster Hall unanimously argued that all removals of unsuccessful asylum seekers should be suspended until the situation in Zimbabwe changes. So many of the individuals who have fled to Britain due to the brutal regime of Robert Mugabe fear for their life if they are forced to return to their homeland.

Williard Chinhanhu was an active member of Zimbabwe's opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change.

Annette Brooke MP said:

"I have received a great many representations from local residents who knew Williard and who ran with him in Poole Runners running club. Many people recognise and understand that to return a failed asylum seeker to Zimbabwe under the current climate of violence, aggression and bloodshed under Mugabe's dictatorship would be wrong."