Star date: 16th November 2016

COMMUNITY ANTI-DESTITUTION CAMPAIGNER DETAINED FOR DEPORTATION

There was shock this morning as community anti-destitution campaigner, Dianne Ngoza, a Zambian nurse who has lived in the UK for 14 years, was detained for deportation under laws that were only previously used to deport criminals.

Outside the Dallas Court Reporting Centre in Salford there was a huge show of support for Dianne from trade unionists and human rights campaigners, and, as the Salford Star goes to press there are attempts to block the van taking her to a deportation centre.

Full details here...

There was shock and horror this morning as Dianne Ngoza, a Zambian national who hasn't lived in that country for twenty years, was detained for deportation at Dallas Court Reporting Centre in Salford.

Dianne, a nurse by trade, has lived in the UK for 14 years and was employed here before a series of errors by immigration lawyers meant that her permit was not renewed and she became destitute. Since experiencing destitution first hand, she has become a well known anti-destitution campaigner in Manchester and beyond.

This morning on the steps of Dallas Court, Dan, from the Gaskell Garden Project and human rights organisation RAPAR, told around fifty supporters - including members of Salford City UNISON, Salford and Manchester NUJ, Unite, Revive, United for Change, City of Sanctuary and others – that "This woman is the absolute epitome of someone who contributes to society...one of the most beloved members of our community."

Dianne is being deported under legislation only previously used on foreign criminals, but now amended to include any foreign national. The new amendment means that people are deported first and can only appeal against the decision on human rights grounds from the country they are deported to.

Dianne has no surviving relatives or friends in Zambia and her daughter lives in the UK, so she will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to appeal from outside the UK. She is appealing the decision on the right to a family and private life.

Before Dianne went through the doors at the Reporting Centre this morning, she gave a speech which, typically, didn't focus on herself but on the plight of migrants throughout the world...

"The immigration problem has risen to its highest level than it has before, it's not surprising that most people have become insensitive to deaths, of human lives" she said "We live in a world where evil has taken the upper hand... 

"Let us think of those who are drowning each day while trying to flee wars in their countries; the poor parents who have lost their children, the children who didn't have the opportunity to contribute to society by fulfilling their dreams" she added "I can never imagine the pain they go through each passing day. Although I'm one of those who has lost some of my loved ones through reckless wars, I find it hard to comprehend.

"We can all do something to change the system which is comprised of a handful of rich people in high positions that are controlling the whole world" she concluded "It's up to each one of us...as long as we are consistent and never lose hope we can make a difference. Let us fight for all the generations around the world that are suffering in silence. Let us be the mouthpiece for those who cannot speak for themselves..."

With new evidence submitted to the Home Office this morning to support Dianne's right to live in Britain, campaigners believed there was no justifiable reason to detain her today.

"We're looking for a little bit of compassion, a little bit of love from the Home Office" Dan told supporters "They have the right to detain her but we're hoping to stop that today..."

Unfortunately, the words and compassion fell on deaf ears. Dianne was detained for deportation and, as the Salford Star goes to press, campaigners are attempting to block the van that will be taking her to a deportation centre.

Update 4pm: Earlier, campaigners did indeed block the van taking Dianne away from Dallas Court. The van retreated back into the compound and hasn't come out again. The TAU riot police and local police are now stationed outside the centre, and campaigners remain, awaiting news of a last minute bail hearing.

Update: 9:15pm: Where's Dianne? Home Office disappears her - full details click here

Update: 19th November

Solidarity Party for Dianne - 2:30pm-5:30pm today Sat 19th November, Piccadilly Gardens Manchester - while campaign hots up with MP involvement - click here