Only Fools star’s wife banned from the UK
Patrick tells of heartbreak at visa red tape
ruling came in, it would have been fine. Now I’ve got to be separated from my baby while she’s growing up. It’s cruel. I’m a Skype dad. I miss them both terribly.” Mrs May introduced the rules for Brits bringing non-European Economic Area spouses in as part of a drive to cut net migration below 100,000.
Implementation was controversial but was backed by the Supreme Court. In 2015 it was estimated the lower £18,600 threshold stops 41% of the population bringing a foreign spouse here. The threshold rises to £22,400 if, as in Patrick’s case, there is also a non Europe-born child. Patrick added: “It went to the Supreme Court and they said it was cruel but not illegal. So thank you, Mrs May.”
The Home Office said: “We continue to welcome foreign partners and children but it’s important they can stand on their own feet financially.”