Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed to intervene in the case of Mercy Baguma, who was found dead in the hallway of her flat in Glasgow two weeks ago while her 14 month old son lay weakened in his cot as a result of having not eaten for several days.
David Linden MP pressed Johnson at Wednesday’s PMQs to arrange an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary to resolve the asylum application that has been pending for Adriel’s father, Eric Nnanna who is his sole parent and guardian.
David Linden, MP said:
“The tragic case of Mercy Baguma has shone a light on the UK’s callous asylum policies that have pushed countless people into further hardship. This boy has been through more than any one-year-old should ever have to, yet his future hangs in limbo while the Home Office prolongs his father’s asylum application.”
At PMQs, Johnson sent “deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mercy Baguma”, adding: “We take very seriously the wellbeing of all who are in the asylum system”.
Linden expressed thanks to the prime minister for agreeing to intervene on his constituent’s behalf.
“Rather than dragging on their worries, the Home Office must resolve the case and ensure that the boy and his dad can get on with rebuilding their lives in Scotland without uncertainty.”
Earlier this week, Eric Nnanna spoke to the Glasgow Times about his relationship with the “charming and lovely” Baguma, whom he met in 2017. Nnanna is originally from Nigeria, while Baguma was born in Uganda, and both first came to Scotland as students. Nnanna revealed that Baguma’s ambition was to join Police Scotland and that the couple, along with their toddler son, had attended an open day at the Scottish Police college at Tulliallan Castle in January.