NURSE DENZEL IS TOLD HE CAN STAY
Home Office make U-turn
A STUDENT nurse who moved to the UK almost a decade ago and carried the Commonwealth Games baton ahead of Glasgow 2014 has won a fight against deportation.
Denzel Darku, 23, moved from Ghana at the age of 14 and has served in the Scottish Youth Parliament.
He was threatened with deportation but has now been granted permanent residence.
His case was raised by politicians and earlier this week, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said he was “sympathetic” to Denzel’s case.
A Home Office spokesman confirmed residence had been granted after a review of the case.
He said: “We have contacted Mr Darku’s legal representatives to advise that, following reconsideration of his case, his application for permanent residence has been granted.”
Denzel’s plight was raised at First Minister’s BY PAUL WARD Questions last week by Neil Bibby.
The Scottish Labour MSP said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Denzel that this nightmare has finally come to an end.
“His life has been turned upside down for no reason and lessons must be learned by the Home Office in how they treat people in future.
“I hope the interest in this case – and the Windrush scandal – results in a new approach to immigrants who make their lives here.
“The cruel and unacceptable treatment of people like Denzel in pursuit of politically driven targets must stop.
“I hope Denzel is now able to resume his nursing studies and continues to be a big part of our community in Paisley.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “This is good news. I’m delighted for Denzel.”