Mr And Mrs Harrow And The Primary Purpose Rule

EDM number 504 in 1992-93, proposed by Chris Smith on 14/07/1992.

That this House is deeply concerned at the impact of current immigration rules and procedures upon Mr Harrow, a resident of Islington South and Finsbury, and his wife, a Philippine citizen; is appalled at the conclusion by the immigration authorities under the primary purpose rule that their marriage was not a genuine one; is further concerned at the subsequent delays and frustrations in arranging for an appeal hearing; is dismayed by the adverse impact this has had on Mr Harrow's health; is deeply worried that they have now been forced to decide to settle in the Philippines together rather than in Britain, involving the surrender of Mr Harrow's job and livelihood; believes that their determination to be together gives the lie to the assumptions made by the authorities about the nature of their marriage; and believes that this case demonstrates the appalling hardship that can arise from the application of the primary purpose rule.

This motion has been signed by a total of 22 MPs.