THE Morning Star is not often accused of giving Tory ministers the benefit of the doubt. But let’s take Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt at their word when they proclaim their determination to crack down on forced marriages involving British citizens.
It now emerges that women and girls rescued abroad from this form of slavery are compelled by Foreign Office officials to sign a loan agreement if they cannot afford the cost of food, shelter and travel before arriving back in Britain.
Failure to repay the loan on time incurs a financial penalty.
We don’t usually ask the victims of a crime to pay the state’s costs, still less fine them when they can’t afford to do so.
May and Hunt should demonstrate their sincerity by cancelling the charges and fines forthwith.
