MP David Ward has highlighted the plight of some Bradford families who have been torn apart because wives have been unable to join their husbands in the country due to visa delays.

The Bradford East Lib Dem questioned the Home Office Minister, James Brokenshire, about delays to the issuing of spouse visas to some of his constituents.

The problem arose due to delays of over a year in the issuing of the visas which has meant that in some cases people have been forced to have a child abroad instead of in the UK.

Mr Ward said such delays could mean spouses have trouble applying for permanent residency or may mean applying for a brand new visa which can cost many thousands of pounds.

Mr Brokenshire said he would be happy to look into individual cases and committed to examine the issues further.

Mr Ward said: “It’s unacceptable that families in Bradford are being punished through no fault of their own.

“The Government had delayed the issuing of spouse visas for over a year which has meant that some have been forced to have their child in a foreign country which creates even further delays as the child needs its own passport.

“This means that families face an agonising choice of either adhering to their original visa requirements by entering the UK without their young baby or waiting for their child’s passport which takes ages. The Government is penalising my constituents and I will continue to press them.”