MP seeks Foreign Office help over aid worker murder trial

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk wants the UK government to apply pressure to the President of Sri Lanka not to interfere in the trial of Khuram Shaikh. The High Court there has already heard several months of evidence regarding the death of the aid worker from Rochdale.

Khuram Shaikh was killed while on holiday in the country in December 2011.

Now its emerged that the presiding judge has been put forward for promotion to the Appeal courts. If accepted, a new judge would be appointed and the defence could call for a complete retrial.

Six men, including a close friend of the Sri Lankan president, are accused of Khuram's murder. Labour MP Simon Danczuk suspects political interference could halt the trial. He wants the UK government to put pressure on the Sri Lankan authorities to make sure the trial continues.