Hundreds of ‘war criminals’ use UK as safe haven

Between 2005 and 2010, 495 suspected war criminals were identified by officials during different stages of immigration screening. Some have been cleared after further investigation or appeal, but 300 remain suspects and are still in the UK.

The figures reveal the Home Office is unable to find a route to prosecution or deportation in the majority of cases, prompting shock and calls for a policy shake-up by prominent Parliamentarians last night.

The chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and Crimes against Humanity called on Home Secretary Theresa May to draw up a plan of action and warned the current approach was lacking coherence.

MP Michael McCann said: “We have established there are individuals suspected of crimes against humanity and genocide who have been granted permission to stay in the UK and who are living freely in the UK.

“That is a matter of concern to the all-party group and it doesn’t appear procedures have been put in place so those individuals can be properly investigated.”

He called for a new specialist war crimes unit to be established in either the proposed National Crime Agency, due to take over from the current Serious Organised Crime Agency, or the Metropolitan Police, which had a specialist unit until it was disbanded in 1999. Of the 495 cases, 45 were referred to the Met for consideration, but none have resulted in an arrest or prosecution.

Mr McCann also said the Home Office should look to utilise immigration law to bring suspects to court for lying on application forms if specific prosecutions for war crimes or crimes against humanity cannot be pursued. The US has already adopted a similar approach.

The all-party group’s vice-chairman, Lord Carlile, said: “I am shocked that so many individuals who are accused of war crimes remain in the UK untried and free of any due legal process. Our country should not be a haven for those suspected of war crimes.”

The figures, obtained following freedom of information requests from the Yorkshire Post and similar requests from the all-party group, show only very limited action by the Home Office – particularly against those identified as war crimes suspects when they applied for British citizenship.

Applicants for citizenship must have already been living in the UK for at least five years. Of the 151 suspected war criminals applying to become British, 139 were refused citizenship – but all remain in the country and are fully entitled to on the basis they have already been granted indefinite leave to remain. The other 12 were granted citizenship after the provision of further information or further consideration by officials.

Of the 247 suspects who applied for asylum or leave to remain in the UK, 142 were refused. Of the remainder, 69 were either granted approval after further consideration of their cases or after appeal, and 36 are still under review.

Of the 142 refused, 35 were removed or voluntarily deported and another 35 were granted a temporary right to remain because they were deemed to be in danger if they were deported to their country of origin. The other 72 are either appealing or awaiting further action against them.

The only category where suspected war criminals were largely denied the right to live in the UK were those seeking visas or resettlement in the UK from abroad. Of 95 suspects, 75 were refused access to the country.

A breakdown of the nationalities involved showed the most suspects, 105, came from Iraq. There were also 75 from Afghanistan, 73 from Sri Lanka, 39 from Rwanda and 32 from Zimbabwe.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “The Government is determined to ensure that the UK does not become a refuge for war criminals. We continue to look at ways to strengthen the measures already in place which allow us take action. Currently the UK Border Agency screen relevant applications for citizenship to ensure that those who are suspected of involvement in war criminality are refused.”

The Home Office indicated any specialist unit would be a matter for the Metropolitan Police, which in turn declined to comment but did say officers within the counter terrorism command were tasked with taking on war crimes inquiries. A spokeswoman added: “Information is dealt with appropriately on a case-by-case basis. The officers carry out this work alongside other duties.”