The Marquess of Lothian – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Home Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by The Marquess of Lothian on 2016-04-19.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government why journalists from some Commonwealth countries were denied visas to attend the recent Commonwealth Journalists Association conference in London, and what assessment they have made of whether those decisions are compatible with the Foreign Office’s commitment to promote human rights, democratic values and the rule of law in the Commonwealth.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

Her Majesty’s Government is committed to promoting efforts to supporting human rights, democratic values and the rule of law in the Commonwealth and beyond. We believe that it is important for all Commonwealth members to live up to the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

All UK visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with UK immigration rules and guidance.

The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that they satisfy the immigration rules. Decision makers will take account of an applicant’s personal and financial circumstances as well as the prevailing country situation.