Congratulations to the MP (Hilary Benn) and the journalist (Peter Lazenby) who had the tools to craft their deliverance.

Congratulations too to local people and the YEP for publicising their plight.

I continue to be alarmed that their inhumane treatment was enacted in the name of a Labour government's immigration policy and that their experience was not an isolated case. My membership of the Labour Party has always been based on the assumption that we would fight on behalf of those in our society who need protection. It should not be a lottery.

Elsa and Bethlehem will, no doubt, be thinking that their prayers have been answered.

I have no belief in such deity, but as a humanist I am still trying to come to terms with secular policies that would inflict unbridled injustice on such people.

Much thought must be given to the policies and practises of a government and a society that purports to care enough to protect vulnerable asylum seekers.

Jean Wood, Sunnyview Avenue, Leeds