It would be difficult to imagine a more cowardly and contemptible action, or one heavier with the promise of long-term disaster, than the British government’s fear-driven refusal to offer sanctuary to Asia Bibi.

For those who came in late: nine years ago, Asia Bibi, a poor village woman and the mother of five children, was picking fruit in a Pakistan field with several other women on a scorching day when the others told her to get them a drink of water.