This will “provide all families, children and unaccompanied men who do not have a criminal conviction, outstanding charge or investigation with the opportunity to be transferred directly to the UK.”
Work on the proposal was “ongoing” and a formal decision would be made within 48 hours, he added. “We will provide further details as soon as possible,” he said.
Speaking on the phone to one of the Tamils, an official said the decision to bring them to the UK was due to the ‘exceptional circumstances’ on the island, adding that their entry would be ‘short term’.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters at the daily news briefing in Downing Street. “The government inherited a situation of serious problems related to the arrival of migrants in Diego Garcia, which remained unresolved from the previous administration. Diego Garcia was clearly not a long-term place for immigrants.”
He added: “The government has been committed to finding a solution that protects the integrity and wellbeing of the UK’s territorial borders.”
Lawyers representing ethnic Tamils described the move as a “very welcome step” in their “long fight for justice”.
“After three years of living in inhumane conditions and having to fight against multiple injustices in court, Her Majesty’s Government at HMG has now decided that our client must come directly to the UK. We hope that Hyundai Motor Group will now take urgent action to implement this decision.” Simon Robinson of British law firm Duncan Lewis told the BBC.
“Today’s decision brings tremendous relief to our customers. We urge the Home Secretary to close the camp and get our clients there without further delay,” said Leigh Day solicitor Tom Short.
“I think it’s a dream. “I don’t know what to think.” A Tamil man spoke after receiving a call from an official relaying the news.
