Britain's top law officer sacks 'illegal' housekeeper
AFP
LONDON - The British government's chief legal official said late Wednesday she has sacked her housekeeper after a newspaper reported that she was an illegal immigrant.
Attorney General Patricia Scotland took the move after the Daily Mail reported that her Tongan housekeeper has been living in Britain illegally after overstaying a student visa.
"At no stage prior to the matter being raised today did Baroness Scotland believe there was any question over (housekeeper) Ms Tapui's entitlement to work. Ms Tapui has now been dismissed with immediate effect."
The newspaper, in a report to be published Thursday, said Scotland employed the 27-year-old woman for six months to look after her home in west London.
On its website, the Mail said the revelations were embarrassing for Scotland, as even unknowingly employing an illegal worker is punishable by a fine, under legislation she helped steer through parliament in 2006 as a home office minister.
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