Sir Julian Lewis: Is it true that the diplomats in the Foreign Office who deal with Pakistan are part of the obstacle to getting rid of this loathsome individual? Does the Minister agree that it is long overdue that the moral courage – indeed, heroism – of former Labour MP Ann Cryer, who first exposed this horrendous abuse, is properly and officially recognised?

[The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris): I would not normally comment on the specific details of conversations across Government, but I must simply say that that is not true; the right hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of diplomats in the Foreign Office is not my experience to any degree. The point about recognition is, of course, for others with more exalted office than myself, but I think he makes a very good suggestion.]