Don't let them take her baby away

I've been feeling a bit down today because I'm missing Florence and Precious. I really miss seeing the wee one smiling shyly, hearing her sweet voice which is often barely whispers and watching her concentrate intently on her latest project whether it be knitting or writing or her homework. I've not seen them for a while and although the whole campaign is tough on a political level, I am having to acknowledge how much it also affects me personally. It's hard not to get involved when the people you're trying to help are so vulnerable and so likeable so I was feeling the strain a bit earlier.

And then I think about Florence. And I remember that if we don't win this for them, she will be sitting somewhere in the not too distant future missing Precious too. But she'll be missing the child she gave birth to, her baby, she'll be torturing herself wondering what might be happening to her. And she'll know it's unlikely she'll ever see her again.

I am having an off day but I'll survive. Florence will not survive without Precious. She told me once that she can't live without her. And I believe her. The already strong bonds between mother and child have been intensified between Florence and her little girl because of all they have been through together. They can't survive withhout each other. Don't let them be torn apart. Help me to prevent it before it's too late.

Keep speaking out for Florence and Precious

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemöller

"Blog-in" for my lovely, brave friends Florence and Precious

I am supporting Florence and Precious Mhangos bid to stay here in Glasgow where they belong.

We're staging a BLOG-in for the Mhangos

Later today we are having a *vigil for Florence and Precious Mhango, a ten year old girl and her mum who are currently being pursued by the UK Borders Agency in an attempt to deport them before a judge decides if they have a case for an Appeal. So many people who cannot make it contacted me asking what they could do and here's what, between them, they've come up with.

1) Change your facebook photo to the photo on this post from 5.30pm to 7pm and tell everyone you are taking part in the facebook vigil for the Mhangos.

2) Take part in the "tweet-down" on Twitter by posting a message of support to them. Use the hashtag #florenceprecious

3) If you have a blog, take part in the "Blog-in" by publishing a post at 5.30pm using the photo and saying why you're supporting them. If you don't have time to write it simply say "I'm supporting Florence and Precious Mhango". And if you are coming to the vigil, remember you can time your blog to publish at 5.30pm.

4) Email the UKBA at 5.30pm reiterating your support for the Mhangos. If everyone emails at the same time they cannot fail to notice! The address is public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

5) Light a candle, tie a yellow ribbon round your wrist, pray, think of them, send them positive thoughts and be very thankful you are unlikely ever to have to go through what they're currently suffering.

Thank you!

*Vigil is at 5.30pm at the top end of Buchanan Street in Glasgow, at the foot of the stairs coming down from the Concert Hall.

Time is running out for Florence and Precious

I want to thank everyone who has supported Florence and Precious Mhango in their attempts to stay in Scotland rather than be deported to Malawi. I have been very guilty of not keeping the blog updated in recent weeks but I've needed to devote all of my energy to supporting them.

As you will be aware from press coverage in recent days, the Home Office are determined to deport them before an appeal can be awarded (or not). It's only a couple more weeks but can the Home Office give them that? It seems not. Florence did not take the voluntary return option last Saturday. On that point, although I think the Scottish press have been superb in their support and coverage of this story, I wish some of them would be more careful in their wording. I read one headline that said something like "Precious defies Home Office".

Precious is ten years old, she's the least defiant child I've ever met and in any case, none of the decisions are hers. Even Florence isn't "defiant", just plain terrified. So if you are getting a picture of the two of them squaring up to the UK Border Agency, it's way off beam. I can tell you that tonight neither of them will sleep because they are so frightened that the UKBA will turn up at the door and detain them. They will be sleeping in the same bed clinging onto each other with fear - a mother unable to comfort and reassure her child that she's safe because she doesn't know if she is, a child who knows not to ask for something she cannot be given - knowing that soon they may be separated forever.

Think about it. Do you have children? Could you bear to be in their position? Could you stand to hold your child knowing that it may be the last time and that soon you may be left with only memories and the living nightmare of not knowing where they are or what is happening to them?

This is what Florence Mhango is facing. This is her living hell.

AND THE UK GOVERNMENT IS DOING THIS IN OUR NAME!

OUR NAME FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

Don't let it happen. Please do whatever you can. It feels like the whole of Scotland has made it clear to the UK government that we want them here. When the First Minister writes a letter jointly with the Moderator of the Church of Scotland and the Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland - an unprecedented move - asking David Cameron to personally intervene, you are forced to wonder who they WILL listen to.

But if you feel like I do that we can't just sit back and do nothing, please add your name to the hundreds possibly thousands who've already contacted the Home Secretary Theresa May. Write to her (address on right hand panel of this blog) and tell her why you believe they should be allowed to stay. If you would like me to send you a letter which you simply need to add your name and address to, email me at anne.mclaughlin.msp@scottish.parliament.uk and I'll email it right back.

Whatever you do, please don't do nothing. There is a truly terrifed young woman right now who made the courageous move to take her child away from a violent domestic situation and who is being punished for it while her ex husband continues to live and work in the UK.

She needs you. And her daughter needs you. Please don't give up on them. Please help. Please do it now - time's running out.

Shock horror - MSP wants to help people!

You may have read in press reports over the weekend that I wrote to Theresa May, the Home Secretary, offering to go to Malawi. I was asking her to intervene in the case of Florence and Precious Mhango and I said if she did not believe we had given sufficient evidence of what dangers lay ahead in Malawi for the two, I would go there myself and bring back more evidence.

I am serious about that. I don't WANT to go, of course I don't. I want to be lying by a pool on a Greek Island or sitting drinking coffee at a pavement cafe watching the world go by. Writing it in the letter was my way of demonstrating how serious I am about the need to protect the Mhangos. As I say I don't WANT to go but if that's what it takes, then that's what I'll do. But you know what really pisses me off? The individuals who are either posting (anonymously) on websites or emailing me demanding to know who will be paying for any such trip.

As if I could claim that on expenses! Don't be so ridiculous. One guy even said to me tonight

"since I understand you may be trying to represent people who are not on the voters roll you will understand the public interest in this matter".

Well let me tell you this: I have NEVER checked to see if someone is on the voters roll before deciding whether to help them or not and I NEVER will. In some parts of Glasgow up to 50% of folk are not registered to vote for whatever reason.

I confess, I am a politician who will help people whether or not they're voting for me and whether or not they CAN vote. Imagine that, how outrageous, how very dare I!

He then goes on to tell me I've not registered it in my declaration of interests, like somehow he's caught me out. Registered what? Maybe I've got this wrong but I thought you only registered things of financial benefit to yourself. It seems, according to this guy, that I've to make a public declaration that my job may be about to cost me an arm and a leg.

At least this guy's told me who he is so I can answer him back (and I did) but most of them are anonymous.

Cowards.

And the most popular criticism is that I'm spending all my time that they (the public) are paying me handsomely for, on just the one case. Otherwise how come they don't read in the papers about anybody else I'm helping? Could it be something to do with the fact that Mrs McGlumpher down the road would rather not have the world know her personal business and besides, the Evening Times doesn't find it all that newsworthy that someone's having trouble getting their bins emptied.

Let me make it clear, I have a lot of constituents coming to me for help and they all get help. In fact we have a pretty high success rate when it comes to sorting out people's problems. And seeing as I'm pretty sure I break that European Working Time Directive every week, I think I'll not be taking any nonsense about how much time I'm allowed to spend on each campaign or constituent.

I could go on ad nauseum about this but I won't. I've devoted far too much time to these people as it is. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind someone questioning what I'm doing, it's the demanding manner in which these people contact me, the "you'll do as I tell you because I'm a taxpayer and you're just a politician" sort of attitude that always tempts me to try it out on other public sector workers and see if I get away with it.

All of them remind me of my mum's war cry when we were younger which was "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I'm not brilliant at that one myself but I'm a whole lot better than these guys.

First Minister calls for review of Florence and Precious case

I was so proud of the SNP government today. And in particular I was proud of our First Minister Alex Salmond who publicly called for the case of Florence and Precious Mhango to be reviewed. I had a question accepted for First Minister's Questions on the detention of children of asylum seekers. You can watch it here if you fast forward to 22 minutes. If you don't have time to watch it, I spoke about the effect of detention on Precious and the First Minister reiterated the SNP government's opposition to before backing Florence and Precious and saying that right across Scottish society there was a huge consensus that their case should be reviewed. I have rarely been more proud of my party leader and I can't tell you hnow emotional Florence was when I told her. I want to be fair to the new UK government. They have barely had time to catch breath never mind make decision like this but I hope that in the very near future, they DO consider the fact that there is indeed a consensus across Scotland and I hope they will show the compassion that was so lacking in the last government.

Nicola Sturgeon supporting the Mhangos

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister, is backing Precious Mhango and her mum and calling for them to be allowed to stay in Scotland. Nicola texted me in November after reading my piece about visiting Precious in Dungavel. She said it made her cry. I probably shouldn't tell you that because politicians are not supposed to do that. However, I think it's GOOD to know that our government is made up of REAL people with real emotions and the capacity to be compassionate. If Nicola was not in politics, she would be a human rights lawyer right now and I don't think I want to hide the fact that she cares deeply about other people - just to maintain a "professional image". So there you go, I'm outing our Deputy First Minister as someone who really cares about people. Given that she's also Cabinet Secretary for Health, I imagine you'll be very pleased to hear that!

Fightback for Florence and Precious begins

Excellent article in the Evening Times tonight about Florence and Precious and the incredible decision by the High Court not to allow them to stay. From the emails, phone calls, messages on the Facebook Wall and newspaper articles, I know the whole of Scotland is getting behind them. Who wouldn't want a model mum and daughter like this contributing to their country and their local community? Please buy the Evening Times tonight because I think there is more inside it and I think this could be the start of an even bigger campaign than we've had up until now! I'm going to visit them now to show them the messages of support so please go on Facebook and tell them how much you care - it really helps.

Florence and Precious judgement from High Court

A very quick update because this news has obviously meant I have a lot of people to speak to. The judge ruled against them today. This doesn't mean it's over but it's a huge setback for them. Once the legal team read the full judgement they will know if there are grounds for appeal - you can't appeal on the basis that it's "not right" sadly, there have to be robust legal grounds. There are other things underway to try to protect this vulnerable mother and child but I can't go into that right now. All I can say is that I (and many others) will fight for them until every route has been exhausted because this is wrong, very wrong.

PS A quick note to the small but irritating number of bigots out there who frequently (but anonymously) contact me regarding the Mhangos - don't send me your racist, heartless comments, we're talking about a little girl who has survived more in 10 years than any of you could ever cope with in a lifetime.

Precious moments

So, my mum's just taught me to knit. Only problem is my bedroom is so messy I can't find my knitting needles and I'm using paintbrushes instead!

My first project. Do you like it? Only thing is I'm not quite sure what it is going to be.

You have to admit, it's a very cool hat!

News from the high court

Just a quick update from the court. The case of Precious and Florence Mhango has now been heard but we don't yet have a decision. The judge said he needs longer and will give a decision "as soon as possible". I'll be speaking to the lawyers later today but their understanding is we will know in 2 to 7 days.

They won!

The news came through late this afternoon that the High Court in London has found in favour of Precious and Florence Mhango.

The correct terminology is that full permission has been granted to proceed to a full hearing.

Basically they're one more step along the way to winning the right to remain in the UK. This is fantastic news and I will post later with my idea of how YOU can help them to do that.

For now let me tell you they are very very happy. Precious wasn't doing her usual whispering when I spoke to her a couple of hours ago - her voice was strong, she sounded excited, she sounded like a normal wee girl.

Thank you everyone who helped. There's more to be done. Now is the time to STEP UP the campaign but tonight, let's just enjoy the good news.

An update on Florence and Precious Mhango

It has been some time since I blogged about Florence and Precious Mhango, the ten year old girl and her mum (both asylum seekers) who were locked up in detention, about to be deported, taken off the flight, back into detention for a month before finally being released from detention on 17 December after a high profile campaign backed by hundreds of people from Cranhill, from Glasgow, from Scotland and from around and beyond the UK. A quick search of this blog will give you the background. And yesterday Mike Small of the Bella Caledonia blog very kindly published this from me.

I've been in regular contact with both of them, now home in Cranhill, since they returned to begin the next stage of the legal battle. However I decided not to blog until I was doing so with the aim of garnering support for them. And that's what I'm doing now.

They were released on 17 December due to the public pressure so WE KNOW IT CAN WORK. On 18 December however the judge in the High Court in London did not award them a judicial review. The Home Office lawyers asked that the judge find their case to be "wholly without merit" but he thankfully declined to do that. They also asked that he (for he was a "he") rule that any appeal the Mhangos may launch would "not be a barrier to removal". In other words if they appealed, the Home Office should still be allowed to deport them. That too was denied. But he didn't award them a judicial review. So the legal team lodged an appeal.

And now, at last, we have a date. The appeal will be heard on Wednesday 10th February at the High Court in London. There are 2 ways the Mhangos can be reprieved. They can win their appeal and then win their judicial review. You can help with this by donating to their legal fund (details at the top of this blog).

Or they can be spared the need for any of this and the Home Secretary Alan Johnson can use his discretion, drop the legal objections and grant them leave to remain. He would not be setting any precedents in doing so - after all, they have lived here for 7 years, since Precious was a toddler of 3. Many more families are rightly granted leave to remain after a far shorter time period.

You can write to Alan Johnson and ask him to do just that. From the start of this campaign, Florence has asked that all correspondence supporting them is respectful. I wrote to Alan Johnson myself urging him to release them from detention and although he did not reply to me, when it came to the 28th day and he was required to give ministerial consent for the continued detention of Precious Mhango, he declined to do so and they were released.

So despite not responding to me, he must have listened to the strength of feeling from all of those others who wrote.

Therefore it is worth writing again.

And now is the time to do it.

Please send letters to:

Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP
Home Secretary
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Or you can email public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

We'll be assisting the advocate with his legal arguments but we need to find ways to get the public on side and involved again. If you want to get involved in the campaigning side of it, if you have any ideas, if you want to join the FACEBOOK group if you have contact lists you can use to send a link to this story, please get in touch. Remember we have 18 days to either get the Home Office to drop this or for them to win their appeal. It's an uphill struggle for this wee girl and her mum but the incredible public support has helped them more than you can imagine. Please help and please don't put it off until later. Act now. Thank you!

Finally, my job as an MSP is two fold - it's to represent my constituents and it's to look at the wider public policy issues and feed into that. On Sunday at 12, the Politics Show on BBC Scotland will feature Florence and Precious and I will then be debating the wider issue of child detention with Scotland Office Minister Ann McKechin. Please watch - because whilst we must save the Mhangos there are hundreds of children in detention all the time and it's utterly immoral and something we should be ashamed of.