The revelations by Mo Farah of his early life experience comes as no surprise (Sir Mo Farah reveals he was trafficked into the UK using another child’s name, 11 July). Some years ago we met a teenager who had had a similar experience. They were sold by their parents to another family, at about the age of six, who then brought them to the UK under diplomatic cover. They were then effectively used as a slave. When we met them they had had some schooling. They were incredibly industrious and, with some help, we managed to get them away from the family and allow them to go to college.
Our problems were just beginning. We wanted to get their status in the UK on a proper footing, but had not accounted for the dead hand of the Home Office. Although we employed specialist human rights lawyers, no progress was made and the Home Office seemed determined to deport them.
