UNION leaders, campaigners and MPs called on the government yesterday to back down over its “ridiculous” decision to refuse an entry visa to Miami 5 member Rene Gonzalez — for the second time.

Mr Gonzalez was unjustly imprisoned after he and four comrades investigated terrorist attacks on Cuba by Cuban exiles in Miami in the US.

The five gathered evidence to present to the US authorities. The US responded by arresting them and following rigged trials imposed lengthy prison sentences.

Mr Gonzalez spent 13 years in jail of a 15-year sentence. He and one other have been released. Three are still in jail.

He was planning to address an international commission of inquiry into the case in London in March but was refused entry. Instead he addressed the inquiry via a video link.

And despite an invitation from 29 MPs to address a meeting in Parliament and from the TUC at their Congress in Liverpool, the government has thrown out three legal appeal to overturn its decision to deny him entry into Britain.

Instead his wife Olga Salanueva will speak in both cities to protest against the Westminster government’s denial of an entry visa for her husband.

Mr Gonzalez is currently in the middle of visits to Portugal and France — both countries having granted him a visa without issue.

“It is ridiculous that Rene is able to attend events in Portugal and France this week but is not allowed a visa to come here to meet with MPs,” said Cuba Solidarity Campaign director Rob Miller.

“The meetings in Britain will still go ahead with Rene’s wife Olga speaking on his behalf, but it is embarrassing that Britain looks destined to become the only European country to which Rene is denied entry.”

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Given the high-profile nature of this case and the numerous letters and appeals from MPs for the Home Secretary to show discretion in this case, the decision must be seen as a political one.”

Ms Salanueva spoke at the TUC Congress Cuba Solidarity Campaign fringe meeting alongside Mr McCluskey on yesterday at 5.45pm. 

She will also speak at a public meeting in Liverpool at Jack Jones House today at 7.30pm and at a meeting hosted by Jeremy Corbyn MP in Committee Room 9, House of Commons tomorrow at 6.30pm.