Backing jobsworths

The Daily Mail and the Tories are in high dudgeon this morning because Lyn Homer, the chief executive of the Border and Immigration Agency decided that a Chinese student - someone who contributes thousands of pounds in fees to the UK economy and higher education - who had applied for an extension on her visa, but had filled in the form (doubtless one of impeccable clarity) incorrectly should not be deported. Ms Homer told the Today programme that she had exercised her 'common sense' and asked her officials to do the same. Instead of demanding that immigration officers should behave like mindless jobsworths, shouldn't the Mail and Tories be hailing this refreshing example of bureaucratic flexibility?