Last week a Gazan refugee, a mother of three, won permission to bring 18 members of her extended family to the UK.  The tribunal ruled that her parents, three adult siblings and their partners, along with ten nieces and nephews were all entitled to join her in this country.  The tribunal accepted the group would be a burden on the state.  Most do not speak English.  The applicant had no space to house any except her parents.  All would be supported at public expense.

The Home Office's opposition was overruled because the applicant's mental health would suffer if her "right to family life" was denied and her relations stayed in Gaza.  The judge agreed denying her relations access to Britain was a breach of her rights under both Article 8 and Labour's Human Right's Act.

Resist comment.  This is an outrageous decision on multiple grounds.  Firstly it is extraordinary that British law requires courts to prioritise the wellbeing of one refugee rather than the practical, financial and psychological consequences for the British citizens who must meet the costs.  All the new arrivals will be eligible for welfare and then pension credit for the rest of their lives.  Each sibling's family will be given priority for social housing.  Each will be paid for by voters already struggling with taxes and bills, and perhaps on a housing waiting list.