Murphy fails to secure Scots visas for Pakistanis

Published on Wednesday 12 August 2009 21:47

A BID by Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy to resolve a wrangle that saw a Pakistani pipe band and business delegation barred from Scotland ended in failure last night.

Mr Murphy has urged the Home Office to see whether anything could be done to salvage the planned visit by the 65 Pakistanis.

But the UK Border Agency later issued a toughly worded statement saying: "We will make no apology for maintaining tough border controls created to prevent abuse of the immigration system."

Glasgow City Council confirmed it was too late to rescue this year's visit.

The council said: "Glasgow City Council understands the need for stringent requirements to secure visas to enter the UK, and the authorities need to prevent that system being abused.

"Whilst it has not been possible to resolve the issue in time in this instance, we are grateful for the constructive approach from the UK Border Agency and their agreement to work with our international office to ensure that potential future delegations to Glasgow are made aware of visa requirements in good time in the future."

Business talks in Glasgow had to be abandoned after visitors from the district government in Lahore had their visa applications rejected.

A pipe band due to perform at the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday was also refused entry.