Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan granted three-year visa to stay in UK

Q Manivannan, a Scottish Green Member of the Scottish Parliament, has been issued a new three-year visa that will keep them in the UK until 2029, though it does not cover the entire parliamentary term. The MSP, who identifies as a queer Tamil immigrant, reaffirmed their commitment to remain in Scotland, calling it their home. Opposition parties had previously challenged the Greens for fielding a candidate without UK citizenship or indefinite leave to remain, but all parties voted for the law that enables immigrants to stand for election.

Manivannan has faced controversy over claims of misrepresenting their background and remarks about rape, which they later said were edited and expressed regret for. Alongside fellow Green Iris Duane, they are among the first openly trans people elected to the Scottish Parliament.