War criminals shame Britain

Today's revelation that 95 suspected war criminals have been allowed to stay in the United Kingdom – and have spent at least five years here beforehand – without facing any action from the authorities will only fuel fears it is in little better state today.

It is also raises questions over whether this country has become a safe refuge for offenders fleeing justice from crimes which could have included civilian massacres, mass rape, torture and other horrors.

When Robin Cook promised Labour would offer a foreign policy with an "ethical dimension" in 1997, few would imagine it would extend to giving home to these people and today's revelations leave a series of questions hanging in the air.

Of 104 suspects denied citizenship in 2008 and 2009, why were only nine referred to the police for investigation? And crucially, given that citizenship applications can only be made after five years living in this country, how were these suspects granted the right to live in the UK in the first place?

It is welcome that the previous Government changed the law in an effort to make it easier to prosecute war criminals, but surely the best solution is to deny them the right to live here in the first place and, should they slip through the system, deport them when they are located – measures which the Government already has the power to enforce.

At least the new Immigration Minister, Damian Green, is aware of the need to tackle this problem, while Lib Dem peer and human rights campaigner Lord Carlile is also applying pressure.

It is welcome, too, that rather than taking Labour's approach of rushing to the statute book to introduce new legislation, Mr Green is first considering whether better implementation of existing powers could be a more effective approach – although this consideration must not become an excuse for dithering.

By getting a grip on the situation swiftly, the coalition Government can send out a message to war criminals around the world that this country will not be a safe haven for them.