Army interpreter exposed by MoD is barred from UK

Afghan man and family have relocation offer revoked

- HOLLY BANCROFT HOME AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT

A former Afghan interpreter exposed in a catastrophic Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach has had his offer of relocation the UK revoked - despite waiting for two years in Pakistan to be brought to Britain.

The former patrol interpreter and his family are believed to be one of several who had been accepted for sanctuary in the UK by the MoD due to their service alongside British troops, but who have now had their applications rebuffed by the Home Office.

The interpreter was detained by Pakistan police who entered the UK-run hotel where he was staying on Wednesday and brought to a deportation camp, his lawyer said.

His details were leaked in a MoD breach that exposed the details of thousands of Afghans who said they were in danger from the Taliban because of their links to UK forces and wanted to escape to Britain.

The man's family have been given 14 days to leave the hotel they have been staying in. They are without visas, money, or anywhere else to go.

Rafi Hottak, a former interpreter for the British army who now campaigns for Afghans left behind, said the reversal decision was "morally bankrupt". Mr Hottak said: "There is a real risk of deportation to these people. I think it is morally bankrupt for the UK government to do this. They have not been able to go out, their wives and children are suffering, and suddenly you throw a bomb shell on them. Whatever the reason is they need to be given a clear answer to why their case is rejected."