'Indefensible shame': Former NATO chief backs our campaign to stop deportation of Afghan war hero to Rwanda

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The former NATO chief backed The Independent's campaign against the deportation of an Afghan war veteran, saying it would be an "indefensible disgrace" if the Home Office followed through on its threat to send him to Rwanda.

Lord Robertson, former secretary general of the military alliance, has urged the government to show decency and give the pilot the respect and safety he deserves.

The case of the Afghan Air Force soldier, who served alongside British forces, sparked outcry after it was revealed by The Independent earlier this week. Other figures who have called on him to stay in the UK include Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer, chairman of the defense select committee Tobias Ellwood and former head of joint operations General Sir Richard Barrons.

The pilot faces deportation because he arrived in Britain on a small boat, unable to secure a safe and legal route. He described how he spent months traveling by car, truck and boat to Europe, paying smugglers thousands of pounds. His only possessions were his flight documents, proving his identity and his military service. He said his wife begged him to flee and leave her behind as he made his perilous journey through five countries.

Lord Robertson, also former UK Defense Secretary Uni said: "It would be an indefensible disgrace if he were sent to Rwanda. We owe a huge debt to people like him and out of decency we should give him the respect and security he deserves. review of the case, saying ministers could use their 'discretion'.

He told The Independent: 'If there is evidence that the person worked hard to support British forces in Afghanistan, this should certainly be taken into account. If there are personal reasons for his story - why this country owes him a debt - it is certainly worth considering. In the end, ministers can exercise discretion.

"Even if there is no legal obligation, you have a twinge of heartache - sometimes a major twinge of heartache - and it is certainly worth checking to see if the evidence supports what is said.”

Another former defense minister has also backed The Independent campaign.Labour counterpart Baroness Taylor of Bolton said: 'It's shameful. amazed that the government can be so insensitive. We have an obligation and I think we should fu...