Local MP welcomes Tony Lola decision

2.14.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Apr 2009

John Leech MP with Tony Lola and pupils from Didsbury C of E

Local MP John Leech has welcomed the Home Office's decision to grant Tony Lola and his mother Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, after a long battle to secure their safety.

9 year old Burnage resident and his mother Mireille were threatened with deportation to the DR Congo, but after lobbying from family, friends, church groups and his school, the Home Office backed down and granted them permanent asylum.

John Leech MP said, "All the hard work put in by Tony, his mum and all their friends and supporters has truly paid off. I was happy to submit their petition to Parliament recently and show the group around the House of Commons. I am sure that the huge groundswell of support the family received has changed the Home Office's mind."

John will be meeting with with Immigration Minister Phil Woolas to discuss the plight of another high profile asylum seeker Adela Mugabo, later in the month.