Campaigns > Mortada Ahmed / Beja Solidarity Campaign / Manjeet Kaur / Vahidi family / Save The Family Home / Mary Adenugba / Gool Nazari / Lydia & Bernard / James Fallah-Williams / Bahrain Solidarity Campaign / Stop Deportations to Iran / Big Society Means Big Cuts!
Lydia and Bernard must stay! Read their story and sign the petition here
***16/05/12 UPDATE*** Lydia and Bernard have won their asylum case! A massive thank you to everybody who has supported their fight for safety. See here for a full press release.
***31/01/12 UPDATE*** Bernard and Lydia told they must report daily to the UKBA at their surveillance centre at Dallas Court in Salford Quays. Click here to read today's press release from RAPAR.
This photo of Lydia and Bernard was taken in RAPAR's office after their first reporting session in Dallas Court on Monday 30th January 2012.
They were interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester alongside Dr. Rhetta Moran on 27th January 2012. You can listen to this interview here.
***31/01/12 UPDATE*** Bernard and Lydia told they must report daily to the UKBA at their surveillance centre at Dallas Court in Salford Quays. Click here to read today's press release from RAPAR.
This photo of Lydia and Bernard was taken in RAPAR's office after their first reporting session in Dallas Court on Monday 30th January 2012.
They were interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester alongside Dr. Rhetta Moran on 27th January 2012. You can listen to this interview here.
***27/01/12 UPDATE*** Read today's Guardian coverage here.
***25/01/12 UPDATE*** Bernard and Lydia are being released from Yarl's Wood Detention Centre today and will be returning to Manchester. More details to follow.
***24/01/12 UPDATE*** - ACTION NEEDED! Please ring Yarl's Wood Health Care Centre on 01234 821148 and ask that Lydia be taken to her eye appointment in Manchester tomorrow.
Lydia has glaucoma and has a very urgent appointment she needs to keep on Wednesday, January 25th, with her specialist at Manchester Eye Hospital. Lydia's detention means that she has already missed one eye appointment on January 16th. She really should not miss this one as her doctors say her sight will be at risk. Yarl's Wood have refused to allow her to attend this appointment and have said they will take her to the hospital at Bedford which has an eye department run by Moorfields Hospital in London. Lydia's specialist is based at Manchester Eye Hospital so it would be better if she was taken there.
***Victory Today ...20/01/12 "It's a battle WON, but we have a war to fight!!!!!"***
The application was heard by Judge Pelling at 5pm today and, having heard from barristers for both sides, he refused the Home Office application to discharge the previous day's order to stop the removal of Lydia and Bernard. He also made an order for costs against the Home Office.
Bernard and Lydia's solicitor, Gary McIndoe of Latititude Law, said "It's an excellent result. It's a battle won but we have a war to fight."
***STOP PRESS*** JUDGE PELLING HAS AGREED TO HEAR THE HOME OFFICE APPEAL TO DISCHARGE THE ORDER MADE YESTERDAY WHICH PREVENTS THE REMOVAL OF BERNARD AND LYDIA. IT WILL BE A CONDUCTED AT 4PM TODAY. WATCH THIS SPACE.
UPDATE ALERT******UPDATE ALERT****** 20/01/12 Please email the following MPs and tell them that Lydia and Bernard Must Stay: Yvette Cooper on [email protected]; Fiona Mc Taggart on [email protected]; Bridget Phillipson on [email protected]; John Leech on [email protected]; and Gerald Kaufmann on [email protected]. Thank you
ALERT*******ALERT******ALERT 19/01/12 - UKBA are attempting to move Bernard nearer to the airport. Please deluge Air France with letters/faxes/emails/phone calls and tell them that they must not transport Lydia and Bernard at 08.20 on 21st January on Air France Flight AF1481 from Heathrow. See contact details below:
UK OFFICE: Phone: 08455 19 15 23; email: [email protected] Postal address: Mr Henri Hourcade, UK & Ireland General Manager, Air France, Warwick Street, London, W1B 5LZ.
TWITTER AIR FRANCE: @AirFranceFR @AirFranceUK @AirFranc_Alerts and Air France webpage
FACEBOOK AIR FRANCE: http://www.facebook.com/airfranceuk
Download a letter for you to send to Air France here. Please CC whatever you send to [email protected]
HEAD OFFICE IN FRANCE: Phone/Fax Air France CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, 45, rue de Paris, 95 747 Roissy CDG Cedex. Air France switchboard: 01 41 56 78 00 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax 01 41 56 70 29
***18/01/12 UPDATE*** Lydia and Bernard's struggle to stay safe reported in Cameroon here
***17/01/12 UPDATE*** Read the full press release below.
Read the latest Guardian article about the growing support among writers for this campaign here.
PRESS RELEASE /// 17th January 2012 /// RAPAR - THE MANCHESTER-BASED HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION /// FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYDIA BESONG FACES FORCED REMOVAL FROM UK AS REHEARSALS START ON HER LATEST PLAY
• Lydia and her husband Bernard facing forced removal from UK to Cameroon on Saturday, January 21st.
• Lawyers working to stop flight as supporters and leading writers lobby Home Secretary
Leading writers in the UK have put their names to an Open Letter in support of Cameroon playwright Lydia Besong and her husband Bernard Batey – as rehearsals start on her latest work, 'Down with the Dictator'.
Lydia is currently detained in Yarl's Wood, Bedfordshire, and Bernard in Morton Hall, Lincoln. They are facing forced removal from the UK on Saturday, January 21st, following the refusal of Bernard's protection claim. The UK Border Agency has also refused them the right to appeal from within the UK.
The couple are both members of the SCNC, a peaceful organisation campaigning for the independence of Southern Cameroon, and fled their home country just over five years ago after they were persecuted, imprisoned and tortured.
Speaking from Yarl's Wood, Lydia said she was pleased to hear that rehearsals on her play were going ahead and added: “It is very important that the rehearsals continue because it means my voice is still being heard.”
'Down with the Dictator' explores themes of power, political corruption and censorship in all its absurdity, and shows why so many people around the world are forced to flee from oppressive regimes. The play is produced by Afrocats and Manchester-based Community Arts North West is supporting it as part of Exodus, their Refugee Arts programme. The director is Magdalen Bartlett who also directed Lydia's acclaimed play 'How I Became An Asylum Seeker'.
Magdalen said the actors - who themselves have had experience of oppressive regimes – are all extremely passionate about the play and are working on it voluntarily. They were shocked to hear of Lydia and Bernard's detention but are determined that her latest work will reach audiences in the UK. The play is due to be performed at COAST International Festival of Community Theatre in Bristol at the end of March, and also at two venues in Greater Manchester which are still to be confirmed.
In July last year, leading writers and actors in the UK sent an open letter to The Guardian, drawing attention to Lydia's case. English PEN, which campaigns for persecuted writers nationally and internationally, has put together a similar Open Letter from high profile writers which has already been sent to Home Secretary Theresa May. Writers who have signed the letter include 'War Horse' author Michael Morpurgo, Hanif Kureishi and Monica Ali. Leading lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy has also put her name to the Open Letter.
Lydia and Bernard have a large number of supporters throughout the UK and particularly in Greater Manchester. They lived in Rochdale for three years before being moved to Bury where they are members of the AcaPeelers' Choir.
Campaigners are urging supporters to write to Home Secretary Theresa May and Immigration Minister Damian Green immediately, demanding that the couple remain in the UK.
Lydia was detained almost a week ago when she reported at Dallas Court in Salford, and Bernard was snatched from the street near his home in Bury. They were only told after they were detained that Bernard's protection claim had been refused and that they were also being denied the chance to appeal from within the UK. It was clear from paperwork issued to the couple that the decision had been taken before Christmas.
Last week, their solicitor Gary McIndoe said: “We have been waiting for a decision on Bernard's protection claim since 19th October last year. Further materials have been sent to the Home Office, including the report of an expert witness. I am surprised that the decision to detain has been made before their legal representatives have been informed in any way.”
ENDS
More details of the campaign can be found at: http://www.rapar.org.uk/lydia-and-bernard-must-stay.html AND AT http://lydiaandbernard.wordpress.com/
For further information, contact: Kath Grant, RAPAR, 07812471047 or Dr Rhetta Moran, RAPAR, 07776264646
----------------------------------------------------
***16/01/12 UPDATE*** While Lydia and Bernard's legal representatives and campaign team continue their work to ensure that they do stay, keep on emailing/faxing the Home Office and ccing [email protected] with copies of your letters in support of Bernard and Lydia.
***10/01/12 UPDATE*** - Press release: UKBA SNATCH LYDIA AND BERNARD FOR 4TH TIME
Full press release and what you can do to help right now - click here to download a copy or read online here
- Decision taken on 23rd December to refuse their protection claim kept from couple and their lawyer until today
- Lydia, who was broadcast live on Women’s Hour in September, now locked up and without critical medication prescribed following emergency eye treatment
- Bernard grabbed off Bury street today by 11 police officers
- Neither family nor lawyer given reasons for refusal before detention
Picture: Rochdale Observer
Update 18/10/11
1. Legal Situation
The Judicial Review has been withdrawn and Bernard has now submitted a new asylum claim for himself and Lydia. The asylum interview is in Liverpool on Wednesday, October 19th, and he will be accompanied by Lydia and a member of the campaign group. The solicitor has been in contact with people in both Cameroon and the UK whose knowledge and expertise will support Bernard and Lydia’s asylum claim.
Please continue to write to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, the Immigration Minister, Damian Green, and your own MPs in support of the case – and ask your MPs to contact David Nuttall, who represents the Bury North constituency and is Bernard and Lydia’s MP.
2. Fundraising:
Supporters have been very generous and we are appreciative of all donations but still need to build up the campaign funds if we are to meet Bernard and Lydia’s legal fees. Please continue to send donations if you can. You can email Hannah Berry for details of how to contribute to the legal fees appeal fund. [email protected]
The campaign group is also planning a Christmas Carol fund raising event in December. Bernard and Lydia sing with the Bury AcaPeelers choir and other Greater Manchester choirs have also been approached and asked to take part. Mince pies and hot drinks will be served. We are currently trying to finalise a venue so look out for more updates on this event.
3. Asylum support and reporting arrangements:
Lydia’s reporting arrangements at Dallas Court have been re-introduced. She will be reporting on a weekly basis. Bernard received a notice of withdrawal of NASS support – including housing – but, following determined efforts by Bernard and a member of the campaign group in lobbying David Nuttall MP and others, the UKBA has reinstated the support.
4. Lydia’s new play
Lydia has written a new play “Down with the Dictator” which she hopes will be performed in late February/March 2012. She is working with Community Arts North West and others to find actors and a venue. More details to follow as soon as we have them.
5. House of Lords questions about women seeking asylum:
Lydia was invited to attend the House of Lords on Tuesday, October 11th, when Baroness Joan Bakewell asked a question about women asylum seekers. Baroness Helena Kennedy and Baroness Oona King also contributed to the debate. Government whip Earl Attlee has agreed to meet with all members of the House of Lords who are concerned about the issue.
6. Future events:
Lydia has been invited to speak at two upcoming events. The first is in Liverpool on Sunday, October 23rd, at a Student Awareness Campaign meeting organised by Women for Refugee Women. The second is at the prestigious Platforma Festival Conference in London. Lydia will take part in the “Conflict and Culture” session with Cilla Baynes of CAN (Community Arts Northwest).
An asylum awareness event is being planned for January/February 2012 in Bury. This is to raise awareness about Lydia and Bernard’s case and also other asylum campaigns. Lydia and Bernard have now lived in Bury for almost two years and have become well known local figures after being regularly featured in stories in the local press. When Bernard was released from detention, strangers greeted were him in the streets of Bury and told him how pleased they were that he was back home!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE LETTERS TO THERESA MAY, DAMIAN GREEN AND YOUR MPs.
YOU CAN USE THESE MODEL LETTERS AS A STARTING POINT AND THE INFORMATION IN THIS NEWSLETTER TO UPDATE THEM.
….AND ALL DONATIONS TOWARDS THE FUNDRAISING APPEAL FOR LEGAL FEES WILL BE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!
Update: 3rd October 2011
1. Where are we legally?
1.1 Bernard was released without bail from Colnbrook on 29th September and is back in Bury. He has to report twice weekly now to Dallas Court .
1.2 UKBA has given verbal confirmation that Lydia should also resume reporting this week, meaning that she can come out of hiding and return home to Bury. Written confirmation is expected to follow shortly.
1.3 Lydia and Bernard's new solicitor is preparing the Judicial Review which is scheduled for 17th October.
2. Other campaign news
2.1 Lydia ’s second play, Down with the Dictator! is ready for production. Lydia is working with director Magdalen Bartlett and Community Arts Northwest has offered help with casting the six male roles. A very low cost/free of charge venue is being sought for a date in November.
2.2 The support base for the campaign continues to grow and several high profile people in the public eye, including writers and actors, have given backing to the campaign. So far the list of supportive MPs includes: John Leech, David Crausby, Gerald Kaufman, Ivan Lewis, Dr Vince Cable, Simon Danczuk, Tony Lloyd, Fiona Mactaggart. If your MP has expressed support but is not on this list please let the campaign know so we can keep it up-to-date.
2.3 The UKBA is legally obliged to inform people of the reasons for refusal of their asylum case. The Home Office's procedures were not followed in Lydia and Bernard's case. They only discovered that their further representations had been turned down after Bernard had been detained - and three weeks after the decision had been made.
3. Actions
3.1 We plan to demonstrate outside the Judicial Review on 17 th October – more details in the next update for those in Manchester who can come along.
3.2 Lydia and Bernard's campaign group really appreciate the generous donations which have already been made towards the legal costs but we still need to raise more so any further donations will be gratefully received. Please email [email protected] for bank account details if you would like to contribute. All monies received will be used for legal costs only – if the case finishes before they are needed you will be alerted.
3.3 If your MP has made any promises in response to your communications, please follow them up with him/her. Once we know the outcome of the Judicial Review – or possibly earlier – we will let supporters know who else to lobby and provide model letters for guidance.
Below are live updates that appeared on www.rapar.org.uk front page in the period after the UKBA took Bernard from his home, and while he was in Colnbrook Imminent Removal Centre.
1. Legal Situation
The Judicial Review has been withdrawn and Bernard has now submitted a new asylum claim for himself and Lydia. The asylum interview is in Liverpool on Wednesday, October 19th, and he will be accompanied by Lydia and a member of the campaign group. The solicitor has been in contact with people in both Cameroon and the UK whose knowledge and expertise will support Bernard and Lydia’s asylum claim.
Please continue to write to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, the Immigration Minister, Damian Green, and your own MPs in support of the case – and ask your MPs to contact David Nuttall, who represents the Bury North constituency and is Bernard and Lydia’s MP.
2. Fundraising:
Supporters have been very generous and we are appreciative of all donations but still need to build up the campaign funds if we are to meet Bernard and Lydia’s legal fees. Please continue to send donations if you can. You can email Hannah Berry for details of how to contribute to the legal fees appeal fund. [email protected]
The campaign group is also planning a Christmas Carol fund raising event in December. Bernard and Lydia sing with the Bury AcaPeelers choir and other Greater Manchester choirs have also been approached and asked to take part. Mince pies and hot drinks will be served. We are currently trying to finalise a venue so look out for more updates on this event.
3. Asylum support and reporting arrangements:
Lydia’s reporting arrangements at Dallas Court have been re-introduced. She will be reporting on a weekly basis. Bernard received a notice of withdrawal of NASS support – including housing – but, following determined efforts by Bernard and a member of the campaign group in lobbying David Nuttall MP and others, the UKBA has reinstated the support.
4. Lydia’s new play
Lydia has written a new play “Down with the Dictator” which she hopes will be performed in late February/March 2012. She is working with Community Arts North West and others to find actors and a venue. More details to follow as soon as we have them.
5. House of Lords questions about women seeking asylum:
Lydia was invited to attend the House of Lords on Tuesday, October 11th, when Baroness Joan Bakewell asked a question about women asylum seekers. Baroness Helena Kennedy and Baroness Oona King also contributed to the debate. Government whip Earl Attlee has agreed to meet with all members of the House of Lords who are concerned about the issue.
6. Future events:
Lydia has been invited to speak at two upcoming events. The first is in Liverpool on Sunday, October 23rd, at a Student Awareness Campaign meeting organised by Women for Refugee Women. The second is at the prestigious Platforma Festival Conference in London. Lydia will take part in the “Conflict and Culture” session with Cilla Baynes of CAN (Community Arts Northwest).
An asylum awareness event is being planned for January/February 2012 in Bury. This is to raise awareness about Lydia and Bernard’s case and also other asylum campaigns. Lydia and Bernard have now lived in Bury for almost two years and have become well known local figures after being regularly featured in stories in the local press. When Bernard was released from detention, strangers greeted were him in the streets of Bury and told him how pleased they were that he was back home!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE LETTERS TO THERESA MAY, DAMIAN GREEN AND YOUR MPs.
YOU CAN USE THESE MODEL LETTERS AS A STARTING POINT AND THE INFORMATION IN THIS NEWSLETTER TO UPDATE THEM.
….AND ALL DONATIONS TOWARDS THE FUNDRAISING APPEAL FOR LEGAL FEES WILL BE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!
Update: 3rd October 2011
1. Where are we legally?
1.1 Bernard was released without bail from Colnbrook on 29th September and is back in Bury. He has to report twice weekly now to Dallas Court .
1.2 UKBA has given verbal confirmation that Lydia should also resume reporting this week, meaning that she can come out of hiding and return home to Bury. Written confirmation is expected to follow shortly.
1.3 Lydia and Bernard's new solicitor is preparing the Judicial Review which is scheduled for 17th October.
2. Other campaign news
2.1 Lydia ’s second play, Down with the Dictator! is ready for production. Lydia is working with director Magdalen Bartlett and Community Arts Northwest has offered help with casting the six male roles. A very low cost/free of charge venue is being sought for a date in November.
2.2 The support base for the campaign continues to grow and several high profile people in the public eye, including writers and actors, have given backing to the campaign. So far the list of supportive MPs includes: John Leech, David Crausby, Gerald Kaufman, Ivan Lewis, Dr Vince Cable, Simon Danczuk, Tony Lloyd, Fiona Mactaggart. If your MP has expressed support but is not on this list please let the campaign know so we can keep it up-to-date.
2.3 The UKBA is legally obliged to inform people of the reasons for refusal of their asylum case. The Home Office's procedures were not followed in Lydia and Bernard's case. They only discovered that their further representations had been turned down after Bernard had been detained - and three weeks after the decision had been made.
3. Actions
3.1 We plan to demonstrate outside the Judicial Review on 17 th October – more details in the next update for those in Manchester who can come along.
3.2 Lydia and Bernard's campaign group really appreciate the generous donations which have already been made towards the legal costs but we still need to raise more so any further donations will be gratefully received. Please email [email protected] for bank account details if you would like to contribute. All monies received will be used for legal costs only – if the case finishes before they are needed you will be alerted.
3.3 If your MP has made any promises in response to your communications, please follow them up with him/her. Once we know the outcome of the Judicial Review – or possibly earlier – we will let supporters know who else to lobby and provide model letters for guidance.
Below are live updates that appeared on www.rapar.org.uk front page in the period after the UKBA took Bernard from his home, and while he was in Colnbrook Imminent Removal Centre.
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***16.09.11 UPDATE*** Listen to Juliet Stevensen and Lydia Besong in today's Women's Hour interview with Jenni Murray at 00.53 to 12.16 minutes
***15.09.11 UPDATE*** Do listen out for Women's Hour, Radio 4, 10.00am tomorrow (160911) 16.35 How the UKBA left Lydia and Bernard's home when they snatched Bernard. Campaign team member Angela says: "I have just come back from the flat. Two friends of Lydia’s met me there along with a staff member from Bury Asylum Team. UKBA have kicked in the bathroom door, it’s a mess and they left very obvious messy signs that they had pulled the place apart in search of Lydia. I have taken laundry home to wash, found it soaking in the bathroom. It felt as though the Gestapo had been in there, very distressing to see." See The Bury Times for a new article about Lydia and Bernard's ongoing struggle for their rights, and a letter from Eagle Wings in Bury about how so many other people seeking asylum are treated by the UKBA. |
Short film about when the UKBA removed Bernard from his home |
***11.09.09 UPDATE*** Bernard has been moved out of short term to long term holding. The situation for he and Lydia will clarify further once offices open tomorrow.
***10.09.09 UPDATE*** As of 20.40, Bernard has been in Colnbrook's short term holding facility for over 24 hours. This is against procedure. Bernard has pointed this out to the guards and asked to be moved but he has not been moved. He has asked for a complaint form but not been given one. We have phoned Colnbrook on 0208607-5200 to speak to the Deputy Contact Director but the phone is not being answered.
23.15***UPDATE*** SEE LATEST PRESS RELEASE HERE
18.14***UPDATE*** Bernard called by his lawyer....our current information is that the injunction has been successful and the flight has been cancelled
17.44***UPDATE*** listen - at 44.40 to live BBC broadcast about Bernard and Lydia
16.45***UPDATE*** lawyers continue to work for Bernard. Please see Guardian Newspaper report, now live. Listen to BBC Radio Manchester at about 17.40 tonight
15.16***UPDATE*** Injunction denied. Please contact Bernard's MP David Nuttall on 0161 797 5007, your own MP and Kenyan Airways and ask them to stop the removal Visit the Lydia and Bernard webpage for further information on how you can help
14.02*** UPDATE*** AS OF 13.52, BERNARD'S LAWYERS HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE COURT
13.36 *** UPDATE*** UKBA OFFICERS HOLDING BERNARD BATEY ARE TELLING HIM THAT COLNBROOK HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FAXES FROM BERNARD'S LAWYER TELLING THEM ABOUT THE JR AND THE FACT THAT THE REMOVAL PROCESS SHOULD BE STOPPED WHILE CASE IS UNDER REVIEW.... BERNARD'S LAWYERS HAVE SPOKEN WITH JASWANT IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN COLNBROOK WHO CONFIRMED THAT COLNBROOK ONLINE RECORDS NOW NOTE THAT THE JR HAS BEEN LODGED AND HERE IS THE CONFIRMATION OF FAX RECEIPT.....OWN UP UKBA !
***09.09.11 UPDATE*** Judicial review lodged yesterday now under review with Mr. Pelling. More faxes just sent by legal reps to UKBA Detained Casework Section, Treasury Solicitors, and Colnbrook to confirm that JR lodged so removal proceedings should be discontinued whilst case under review. READ TODAY'S ARTICLE IN BURY TIMES: LYDIA AND BERNARD'S HOME TOWN PAPER
1) CONTACT BERNARD'S MP David Nuttall (Bury North) MP, 15 St Mary's Place, Bury BL9 ODZ Tel: 0161 797 5007, Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Judicial review lodged yesterday now under review with Mr. Pelling. More faxes just sent by legal reps to UKBA Detained Casework Section, Treasury Solicitors, and Colnbrook to confirm that JR lodged so removal proceedings should be discontinued whilst case under review. READ TODAY'S ARTICLE IN BURY TIMES: LYDIA AND BERNARD'S HOME TOWN PAPER
Ask him to directly approach Home Secretary Theresa May and ask her to exercise her discretionary powers to stay the removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. Release him from detention and to grant him protection in the UK. Please remember to quote Bernard Batey's Home Office Reference number B1236372 in any correspondence
2) Email/Fax/Phone, Sam Okwulehie, Group Area Manager Kenya Airways:
Urge him not to carry out the forced removal of Bernard Batey Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
E-mail: [email protected]m
Fax: 020 8745 5027 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8745 5027)
Phone: 020 8759 7366 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8759 7366)
3) Email/Fax Theresa May, Home Secretary:
Ask her to exercise her discretionary powers to stay the removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. Release him from detention and to grant him protection in the UK.
Please remember to quote Bernard Batey's Home Office Reference number B1236372 in any correspondence:
Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1 4DF
Fax: 020 7035 4745
Emails: [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
4) Email/Fax Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister:
Ask him to intervene with the Home Secretary Theresa May to stop the forced removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
Please remember to include the following: Bernard Batey Home Office Reference: B1236372.
Nick Clegg
Deputy Prime Minister's Office
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
Correspondence Section: Tel: 020 7276 0527
Fax: 020 7276 0514; [email protected]
Please remember to copy all correspondence to [email protected]
Thank you from Lydia and Bernard Must Stay Campaign
Further update 07/09/11
The fact that the story of the immanent attempt to remove Lydia and Bernard is now being carried in the Cameroon Press poses grave danger to the couple. An Amnesty International report in May confirmed that the regime of President Paul Biya continues to persecute the SCNC.
Lydia and Bernard's campaign has been high profile and in July their case reached national attention with the publication of an open letter in The Guardian, signed by leading writers such as Gillian Slovo, Sarah Waters, Juliet Stevenson,Lisa Appignanesi, Joan Bakewell, writer Andrea Levy and prominent actors.
This can be viewed here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jul/27/justice-for-asylum-seekers
Read an article about Lydia & Bernard's case on the Manchester Mule's website here: http://manchestermule.com/article/deportation-date-set-for-playwright-asylum-seeker-and-husband
The publication of a story in Cameroon adds to the fears of the couple who are already in very real danger if deported on Saturday. Scroll down for how you can help right now.
***07.09.11 UPDATE*** REPORT OF INTENTION TO REMOVE BERNARD AND LYDIA TO CAMEROON NOW IN CAMEROON PRESS At 7.30am on Mon 05 Sept 2011, at least five UK Border Agency officers went to the home of Cameroon playwright Lydia Besong and her husband Bernard Batey in Bury, Greater Manchester. Visit the Lydia and Bernard webpage for information on how you can help
Campaign update 06/09/11
At 7.30am yesterday, at least five UK Border Agency officers went to the home of Cameroon playwright Lydia Besong and her husband Bernard Batey in Bury, Greater Manchester. They took Bernard from the address - Lydia was not at the house at the time.
Bernard is currently in Colnbrook IRC and due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. The UKBA want to deport Lydia as well.
The UKBA decision to reject their fresh evidence was made on August 17 but not communicated to the couple or their lawyer. The first they knew about the decision was when their legal representative contacted the UKBA AFTER Bernard had been detained.
Lydia and Bernard are human rights activists who had to leave Cameroon after being imprisoned and tortured. Lydia was also raped by a prison guard. They were persecuted in Cameroon because of their membership of the Southern Cameroon National Council, a peaceful pressure group which campaigns for the rights of the English speaking minority in Cameroon. An Amnesty International report in May confirmed that the regime of President Paul Biya continues to persecute the SCNC. Lydia and Bernard will be in grave danger if they are returned to Cameroon.
We need your urgent support. Please Email/Fax/Phone the following:
1) Email/Fax/Phone, Sam Okwulehie, Group Area Manager Kenya Airways:
Urge him not to carry out the forced removal of Bernard Batey Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
E-mail: [email protected]m
Fax: 020 8745 5027 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8745 5027)
Phone: 020 8759 7366 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8759 7366)
2) Email/Fax Theresa May, Home Secretary:
Ask her to exercise her discretionary powers to stay the removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. Release him from detention and to grant him protection in the UK.
Please remember to quote Bernard Batey's Home Office Reference number B1236372 in any correspondence:
Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1 4DF
Fax: 020 7035 4745
Emails: [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
3) Email/Fax Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister:
Ask him to intervene with the Home Secretary Theresa May to stop the forced removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
Please remember to include the following: Bernard Batey Home Office Reference: B1236372.
Nick Clegg
Deputy Prime Minister's Office
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
Correspondence Section: Tel: 020 7276 0527
Fax: 020 7276 0514; [email protected]
Please remember to copy all correspondence to [email protected]
Thank you from Lydia and Bernard Must Stay Campaign
***10.09.09 UPDATE*** As of 20.40, Bernard has been in Colnbrook's short term holding facility for over 24 hours. This is against procedure. Bernard has pointed this out to the guards and asked to be moved but he has not been moved. He has asked for a complaint form but not been given one. We have phoned Colnbrook on 0208607-5200 to speak to the Deputy Contact Director but the phone is not being answered.
23.15***UPDATE*** SEE LATEST PRESS RELEASE HERE
18.14***UPDATE*** Bernard called by his lawyer....our current information is that the injunction has been successful and the flight has been cancelled
17.44***UPDATE*** listen - at 44.40 to live BBC broadcast about Bernard and Lydia
16.45***UPDATE*** lawyers continue to work for Bernard. Please see Guardian Newspaper report, now live. Listen to BBC Radio Manchester at about 17.40 tonight
15.16***UPDATE*** Injunction denied. Please contact Bernard's MP David Nuttall on 0161 797 5007, your own MP and Kenyan Airways and ask them to stop the removal Visit the Lydia and Bernard webpage for further information on how you can help
14.02*** UPDATE*** AS OF 13.52, BERNARD'S LAWYERS HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE COURT
13.36 *** UPDATE*** UKBA OFFICERS HOLDING BERNARD BATEY ARE TELLING HIM THAT COLNBROOK HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FAXES FROM BERNARD'S LAWYER TELLING THEM ABOUT THE JR AND THE FACT THAT THE REMOVAL PROCESS SHOULD BE STOPPED WHILE CASE IS UNDER REVIEW.... BERNARD'S LAWYERS HAVE SPOKEN WITH JASWANT IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN COLNBROOK WHO CONFIRMED THAT COLNBROOK ONLINE RECORDS NOW NOTE THAT THE JR HAS BEEN LODGED AND HERE IS THE CONFIRMATION OF FAX RECEIPT.....OWN UP UKBA !
***09.09.11 UPDATE*** Judicial review lodged yesterday now under review with Mr. Pelling. More faxes just sent by legal reps to UKBA Detained Casework Section, Treasury Solicitors, and Colnbrook to confirm that JR lodged so removal proceedings should be discontinued whilst case under review. READ TODAY'S ARTICLE IN BURY TIMES: LYDIA AND BERNARD'S HOME TOWN PAPER
1) CONTACT BERNARD'S MP David Nuttall (Bury North) MP, 15 St Mary's Place, Bury BL9 ODZ Tel: 0161 797 5007, Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Judicial review lodged yesterday now under review with Mr. Pelling. More faxes just sent by legal reps to UKBA Detained Casework Section, Treasury Solicitors, and Colnbrook to confirm that JR lodged so removal proceedings should be discontinued whilst case under review. READ TODAY'S ARTICLE IN BURY TIMES: LYDIA AND BERNARD'S HOME TOWN PAPER
Ask him to directly approach Home Secretary Theresa May and ask her to exercise her discretionary powers to stay the removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. Release him from detention and to grant him protection in the UK. Please remember to quote Bernard Batey's Home Office Reference number B1236372 in any correspondence
2) Email/Fax/Phone, Sam Okwulehie, Group Area Manager Kenya Airways:
Urge him not to carry out the forced removal of Bernard Batey Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
E-mail: [email protected]m
Fax: 020 8745 5027 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8745 5027)
Phone: 020 8759 7366 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8759 7366)
3) Email/Fax Theresa May, Home Secretary:
Ask her to exercise her discretionary powers to stay the removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. Release him from detention and to grant him protection in the UK.
Please remember to quote Bernard Batey's Home Office Reference number B1236372 in any correspondence:
Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1 4DF
Fax: 020 7035 4745
Emails: [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
4) Email/Fax Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister:
Ask him to intervene with the Home Secretary Theresa May to stop the forced removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
Please remember to include the following: Bernard Batey Home Office Reference: B1236372.
Nick Clegg
Deputy Prime Minister's Office
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
Correspondence Section: Tel: 020 7276 0527
Fax: 020 7276 0514; [email protected]
Please remember to copy all correspondence to [email protected]
Thank you from Lydia and Bernard Must Stay Campaign
Further update 07/09/11
The fact that the story of the immanent attempt to remove Lydia and Bernard is now being carried in the Cameroon Press poses grave danger to the couple. An Amnesty International report in May confirmed that the regime of President Paul Biya continues to persecute the SCNC.
Lydia and Bernard's campaign has been high profile and in July their case reached national attention with the publication of an open letter in The Guardian, signed by leading writers such as Gillian Slovo, Sarah Waters, Juliet Stevenson,Lisa Appignanesi, Joan Bakewell, writer Andrea Levy and prominent actors.
This can be viewed here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jul/27/justice-for-asylum-seekers
Read an article about Lydia & Bernard's case on the Manchester Mule's website here: http://manchestermule.com/article/deportation-date-set-for-playwright-asylum-seeker-and-husband
The publication of a story in Cameroon adds to the fears of the couple who are already in very real danger if deported on Saturday. Scroll down for how you can help right now.
***07.09.11 UPDATE*** REPORT OF INTENTION TO REMOVE BERNARD AND LYDIA TO CAMEROON NOW IN CAMEROON PRESS At 7.30am on Mon 05 Sept 2011, at least five UK Border Agency officers went to the home of Cameroon playwright Lydia Besong and her husband Bernard Batey in Bury, Greater Manchester. Visit the Lydia and Bernard webpage for information on how you can help
Campaign update 06/09/11
At 7.30am yesterday, at least five UK Border Agency officers went to the home of Cameroon playwright Lydia Besong and her husband Bernard Batey in Bury, Greater Manchester. They took Bernard from the address - Lydia was not at the house at the time.
Bernard is currently in Colnbrook IRC and due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. The UKBA want to deport Lydia as well.
The UKBA decision to reject their fresh evidence was made on August 17 but not communicated to the couple or their lawyer. The first they knew about the decision was when their legal representative contacted the UKBA AFTER Bernard had been detained.
Lydia and Bernard are human rights activists who had to leave Cameroon after being imprisoned and tortured. Lydia was also raped by a prison guard. They were persecuted in Cameroon because of their membership of the Southern Cameroon National Council, a peaceful pressure group which campaigns for the rights of the English speaking minority in Cameroon. An Amnesty International report in May confirmed that the regime of President Paul Biya continues to persecute the SCNC. Lydia and Bernard will be in grave danger if they are returned to Cameroon.
We need your urgent support. Please Email/Fax/Phone the following:
1) Email/Fax/Phone, Sam Okwulehie, Group Area Manager Kenya Airways:
Urge him not to carry out the forced removal of Bernard Batey Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
E-mail: [email protected]m
Fax: 020 8745 5027 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8745 5027)
Phone: 020 8759 7366 (Or from outside the UK + 44 20 8759 7366)
2) Email/Fax Theresa May, Home Secretary:
Ask her to exercise her discretionary powers to stay the removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon. Release him from detention and to grant him protection in the UK.
Please remember to quote Bernard Batey's Home Office Reference number B1236372 in any correspondence:
Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1 4DF
Fax: 020 7035 4745
Emails: [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
3) Email/Fax Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister:
Ask him to intervene with the Home Secretary Theresa May to stop the forced removal of Bernard Batey. Due to be forcibly removed from the UK on Kenya Airways flight KQ526 @ 20:00 hrs Saturday 10 September 2011 from UK to Nairobi for onward transit to Cameroon.
Please remember to include the following: Bernard Batey Home Office Reference: B1236372.
Nick Clegg
Deputy Prime Minister's Office
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
Correspondence Section: Tel: 020 7276 0527
Fax: 020 7276 0514; [email protected]
Please remember to copy all correspondence to [email protected]
Thank you from Lydia and Bernard Must Stay Campaign
Click here for Lydia and Bernard's full story, and to sign the petition
