NICOLA Sturgeon has demanded wholesale reform of the UK’s “deeply inhumane” asylum system in the aftermath of Mercy Baguma’s death.
The Ugandan mother was found dead in Glasgow on Saturday with her “starving” one-year-old son by her side. It is understood that she had been “functionally destitute” since losing her right to work when her leave to remain expired.
In response, the First Minister launched a blistering attack on the UK Government.
Asked about Baguma by Green MSP Alison Johnstone, Sturgeon said: “Like, probably, most people in this country I find myself consumed with sadness, but also real anger at the death of Mercy Baguma. First and foremost my thoughts go to her family and friends.
“The exact circumstances of her tragic death are not yet know, and I would support any efforts to establish the facts of this tragic case.”
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She added: “But what I think we can all say, is that the UK asylum system is not just broken, it is deeply inhumane and it must be changed.
“People who come here because they need a place of safety should have support, even more so in this time of crisis. Asylum is wholly reserved to Westminster, but this government, as a whole, has repeatedly raised our concerns about the accommodation of asylum seekers.
“We need wholesale reform of the UK's asylum system and we need to start from the principles of dignity, of empathy and of support for our fellow human beings who come to this country in need of support at desperate times in their lives.”
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Sturgeon added she would support all efforts to investigate Baguma's death, including backing the Positive Action in Housing charity's calls for an inquiry into the accommodation situation faced by asylum seekers in Glasgow during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Crown Office has said the Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the 34-year-old's death and an investigation is under way.
The Home Office has said it will launch an inquiry into Baguma’s death.
A spokesperson commented: “This is a tragic situation and our condolences go to Ms Baguma’s family.
“The Home Office takes the wellbeing of all those in the asylum system extremely seriously, and we will be conducting a full investigation into Ms Baguma’s case.”
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