Supporters and friends of a 10-year-old girl and her mother fighting to stay in Scotland are to stage a vigil in the city the pair call home.
Precious Mhango, 10, and mum Florence, 32, were ordered to fly to London last Saturday and then on to Malawi, despite the pair saying they faced “extreme difficulties” if forced to return.
The pair, from Cranhill, chose not to board the flight and now face being detained then deported.
The vigil, which will be held on Monday on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street, aims to raise awareness of the Mhangos’ plight.
Glasgow SNP MSP Anne McLaughlin, who has been campaigning for Florence and Precious to be allowed to stay in Scotland, is helping to organise the event.
She said: “On Monday at 5.30pm, in conjunction with the Unity Centre, we are holding a Glasgow Fair Monday vigil for Florence and Precious.
“The vigil will take place at the top of Buchanan Street, at the bottom of the steps outside the Royal Concert Hall.
“We will be asking – on Fair Monday – what is fair about separating a mother and child?”
Florence and Precious – real name Tionge – entered Britain in May 2003, as dependants of Ms Mhango’s husband, who was in the UK on a student visa.
They had leave to remain until October 31, 2007.
Florence said her husband had been violent towards her in the past, but she hoped that a new life in London would bring a change.
When the violence continued she fled to Glasgow to stay with a friend.
The split from her husband meant she had no right to remain in Britain.
That means Florence, and Precious, who came to Britain aged three, have been told to return to Malawi.
In Malawi, grandchildren can be claimed by the father’s family and Florence now fears she will lose her daughter forever.
Ms McLaughlin, who has become a close friend of the family, added: “I would appeal to those of you who are able to be there, to come and show your support.
“This is not a political demonstration but a peaceful humanitarian vigil for two human beings who need our love and support.
“Therefore, although I expect many politicians and activists will be present, the speakers will be Florence and Precious’ friends.
“The people who know them best.”
More than 1,300 letters have been written to Home Secretary Theresa May urging her to allow the Mhangos to stay.
First Minister Alex Salmond and Glasgow Lord Provost Bob Winter are among the family’s supporters
A host of Glasgow MSPs, including Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Maryhill and Bill Butler, Labour MSP for Anniesland, have spoken out, urging the UK government to let the family stay.
