Precious detained for 26 days as Woolas visits Dungaval

UK immigration minister Phil Woolas has been urged to act on the case of Florence and Precious Mhango as he visited the UK Government's Dungavel Detention Centre in Scotland.

Florence Mhango and her 10 year old daughter Precious were first taken into custody at Dungavel 26 days ago.  The pair are currently being held at Yarl's Wood.

Mr Woolas is understood to be visiting Dungavel today and to be holding talks on the alternatives to detention project - a Scottish Government backed scheme that could have kept Florence and Precious out of Yarls Wood.

Despite lodging an application for a Judicial Review 20 days ago resulting in the deportation being halted, they continue to be held in the centre while the UK Government objects.

Standard practice would be to allow them to return to Glasgow whilst awaiting a date for the review.

SNP MSP Anne McLaughlin, who alongside residents of Cranhill where the Mhango's live has campaigned for their detention to end said: "As the minister visits Dungavel he should think about the 10 year old girl taken there nearly four weeks ago who is still in UK Government detention.

"It is 10 days since I wrote to the Home Secretary Alan Johnson on this case and weeks since Phil Woolas received my and many other people's appeal to give these two valuable members of Glasgow's Cranhill community a chance.  Despite this and the efforts of their Advocate a 10 year old girl is still in detention.

"For Precious Scotland is her home.  She does not know Malawi and does not know the family that would take her, if she is deported.

"Florence and her daughter Precious have acted within the law at all times and are following the legal process to try and secure their release and the right to stay in Sotland.

"If the Minister sees anything on this visit he should see that detention centres are no place for children - no matter how well they are cared for - and that Scotland supports children like Precious who grow up here and who belong here."

Note:

The Mhango's case it detailed here.