20-11-07
Barrett calls for assistance for warzone interpreters

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, has today called on the Government to protect civilians working as interpreters for British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Speaking during Foreign Office Question Mr Barrett pressed the Foreign Secretary to ensure that interpreters working for HMS overseas would be properly protected.

John Barrett said:

“Interpreters in Iraq and Afghanistan assist our forces with bravery making an often invaluable contribution.

“In return we must ensure that any interpreter whose life may be genuinely under threat as a result of their work is properly protected and, if necessary, allowed to come to the UK. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude and must make sure that they are not left behind when our troops return home.”

Note

John Barrett was speaking during Foreign Affairs Questions this afternoon