A British MP has called on the British government to intervene in the decision to deport a Sri Lankan family who have become permanent members of the local community through their work and public services.
Speaking in the British Parliament, Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins said on behalf of the Sri Lankan family:
“The couple, who work as a care worker and his wife Chamila, who work as a volunteer teaching assistant at Northchurch Parish Church, supporting children with special educational needs, have been deported. The decision should be taken by Parliament.
The couple and their three young children have built a life in their home country over the past four years. They have followed the proper immigration laws and procedures. But despite all this, the Home Office has ordered the family to leave Britain and return to Sri Lanka within 14 days.
This decision is a matter of great concern. Local residents are rallying around the family against it. They are expressing their concern about this order. Many in the local community see them as kind, hard-working and dedicated people who have made a positive contribution to society, calling them ‘frontline workers and pillars of our community’,” says MP Victoria Collins.
The MP, who said she had already written to the Minister for Immigration and Emigration to intervene in the matter, urged the Minister and the Home Affairs Ministry to take urgent action in Parliament.
She also called for a guarantee to be given to other families who may face similar situations.
Deputy Speaker Caroline Noakes, who responded to this, pointed out that this issue was not one for the Speaker to decide.