The Archbishop of York has urged David Cameron to reverse a decision not to grant visas to the Zimbabwean family of a young girl killed in December.
The Home Office has refused visas for the grandparents and aunt of five-year-old Andrea Gada, who was fatally hit by a car near her home in Eastbourne. The family claim that it is because they are "too poor" and are therefore considered an illegal immigration risk. They say the government's decision is "unbearable".
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr John Sentamu urges Cameron to reconsider. "Having read about the situation, I feel sure that you will understand the need, in this instance, to intervene to ensure that the [grandparents] are able to attend this tragic funeral," he writes.
The Gadas are Seventh Day Adventists, and have said that having their family present at the funeral is important "both for cultural and religious reasons".
"Losing a child is one of the hardest things a person can experience, and at this time myself and my husband are both longing for the support of our family," Andrea's mother, Charity Gada, said on the Change.org petition.
"Having our family together at this time is incredibly important to us, and an important part of our culture... At the heart of it, all I really wants is to have my mother at my side whilst I grieve the loss of my child."
Andrea's Zimbabwean relatives have offered to wear electronic tags and report to local police stations, and Stephen Lloyd MP pledged to personally guarantee that they leave the UK after the funeral.
The Prime Minister had previously promised to "look into the case" at Lloyd's request, but the Gadas appeal was rejected two weeks ago.
More than 95,000 people have signed the petition, which calls on Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May to ensure that Andrea has "a proper farewell". Andrea's parents are due to present it to Downing Street today.
"My family are street sellers from Zimbabwe. They pose no risk to the country, they simply want to support us and grieve the loss of our beautiful girl," Charity Gada said.
"Andrea was a wonderful little girl and she deserves a proper farewell."
