§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why Aisha Megrahi has been refused permission to stay in Britain, even though her husband is serving a life sentence in Barlinnie gaol; whether it is normal policy to refuse wives permission to stay in this country when their husbands are imprisoned here; and, if so, whether this is consistent with the European Convention on Human Rights. [HL1717]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)There are no special arrangements for overseas nationals coming to the United Kingdom (UK) to visit a spouse or other family member who has been imprisoned here. Such applications are considered under the general provisions for visitors as set out in paragraphs 40 and 41 of the Immigration Rules (HC 395). To qualify for entry to the United Kingdom as a visitor an applicant must demonstrate that he or she is genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for the period stated, has sufficient funds for personal support and accommodation, holding any dependants without working or recourse to public funds, and that he or she will leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit. The maximum period allowed for a visit is normally six months. We do not consider that this policy is inconsistent with the European Convention on Human Rights.