Gamu seeks Woolas’s help to stay in UK

Oldham MP Phil Woolas has been enlisted to help the fight to stop “X Factor” favourite Gamu Nhengu being deported.

The former immigration minister has been approached by Gamu’s local MP, Gordon Banks, for help and advice.

Gamu hit the headlines for faultless performances on the “X factor” but the country was left shocked after judge Cheryl Cole failed to take her through to the live show finals.

Shortly after the controversial decision, Gamu and her family faced deportation to Zimbabwe. Gamu’s mother’s visa application had been turned down because she had wrongly claimed benefits.

The 18-year-old singer fears she will face the firing squad if she is forced to return to her native country.

She said: “I’ve been in the public eye now and people there know I’ve fled Mugabe’s regime. They will punish us if we go back. They’re going to know where we are.

“There’s a firing squad waiting for us there and they’re putting me in front of it.”

Mr Banks is calling for a review of legislation in the UK Borders Agency which will prevent families being automatically deported in certain situations.

Mr Woolas, who is now shadow immigration minister under Ed Miliband, said: “Although the UK policy is that it is possible to deport people forcibly to Zimbabwe, this is very rarely done and then only where clear safeguards are in place. I am sure a legal route can be found to resolve this case.

“Nokutula and her family came into the UK quite legally and for the benefit of our health service. It does appear as though this family received bad advice. I will be helping the local MP to give guidance on this case.”