Migrant Who Entered Britain Illegally in 2024 and Was Given a Place to Stay at an Asylum Centre Seen in Worrying Photos as Calls Grow for His Case to Be Reviewed

Labour has been warned about possible security risks after photos emerged showing an asylum seeker living at a migrant camp in the UK holding what appears to be an assault rifle.

The man, identified as Loghman Chakobi, arrived in Britain without permission in June 2024. He was later given accommodation at the Wethersfield asylum centre in Essex, which is believed to be one of the largest migrant accommodation sites in the country.

The discovery of the photographs has led to calls for him to be deported, with concerns being raised about his past involvement with an armed group.

The pictures reportedly show Chakobi wearing military clothing and carrying weapons that appear to be assault rifles. They are believed to have been taken when he was involved with the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan.

The group has an armed force known as the Peshmerga, which has been involved in fighting against the Iranian authorities for many years. However, the organisation is not banned in the United Kingdom.

Former Metropolitan Police officer Steve Morris has called for the man’s asylum application to be treated as an urgent case because of the concerns raised by the photographs.

Speaking to The Sun, Morris said anyone with experience in an armed paramilitary group should raise serious concerns during security checks.

He believes the authorities should carefully examine Chakobi’s background before deciding whether he should be allowed to remain in Britain.

However, the photographs alone do not prove that Chakobi has committed a crime or poses a danger to the public.

Chakobi had previously been involved in a court case at the Wethersfield accommodation centre. He was the alleged victim in a disagreement over noise late at night.

Another asylum seeker, Rena Rasul, was accused of attacking him during the incident but was later cleared of the allegation in court.

The Home Office has responded to the concerns by explaining that every person applying for asylum in the UK must undergo security and background checks.

A spokesperson said the Government would not hesitate to use its legal powers to protect national security whenever necessary.

The case comes at a time when immigration and the arrival of asylum seekers remain major political issues across Britain.

According to the figures reported, 20,935 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year. The report says this represents a 42% decrease compared with the same period last year and a 19% fall compared with 2023.

Despite the reported reduction, concerns have continued to grow after migrants began arriving on beaches in Hampshire, more than 100 miles away from the usual crossing areas near Dover in Kent.

The development has raised questions about whether people smugglers are changing their methods to avoid police patrols and border security operations.

Reform UK has promised tougher action to stop people entering Britain illegally through the English Channel.

The party has suggested deploying the Royal Navy and allowing Royal Marines to use lethal force as part of its proposed border security measures.

A Reform UK spokesperson argued that Britain’s borders have serious weaknesses that need urgent attention.

Speaking to Talk, the party’s Treasury spokesperson said migrants travelling in small boats should be intercepted and returned directly to France.

He claimed this approach could bring the crossings to an end within days if properly introduced.

However, Labour strongly criticised the proposal, describing the suggestion of using deadly force against unarmed migrants as unacceptable and against the law.

Labour chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said British soldiers should never be ordered to open fire on unarmed civilians simply because they are attempting to enter the country without permission.

She accused Reform UK of damaging its reputation by putting forward such a proposal.

Meanwhile, Mr Burnham told MPs in the House of Commons that people smugglers were changing their routes because of the Government’s cooperation with France.

He argued that the partnership between Britain and France had helped reduce the number of small boats crossing the Channel.

According to him, criminal gangs are now looking for different ways to bring migrants into Britain because their previous routes are becoming more difficult.

He insisted that the Government would continue changing its border security methods to prevent smugglers from succeeding.

The controversy surrounding Chakobi has added to the wider debate about how Britain should deal with asylum seekers who may have previously belonged to armed organisations.

While some are demanding tougher security checks and faster deportations, the Home Office maintains that it already has procedures in place to investigate asylum applicants and identify potential security threats.

For now, the photographs have raised questions about Chakobi’s past, but there has been no confirmation in the report that he has been charged with any terrorism-related offence or that a decision has been made to deport him.