Time to end the hostile environment against asylum seekers
MSPs from all parties have been urged to back Scottish Green calls for the devolution of powers over asylum and immigration so that we can build a more welcoming Scotland and reject the hostile policies being inflicted by Westminster.
The call comes ahead of a Ministerial Statement on One Scotland, Many Voices: A Shared Future.
Maggie said:
“Everyone should feel safe, secure and valued where they live. Yet, for so many folk who come to this country seeking sanctuary and safety, this is so far from their reality.
“Over several decades, consecutive UK Government approaches have demonised and scapegoated immigrants, designing policies that chase headlines, rather than fix problems.
“The awful escalation in far-right attacks on those seeking asylum in the past months are a consequence of years of hostility fuelled by those in power.
“But the hostile environment doesn’t just harm those the policies are targeting; it has far-reaching impacts in our communities and public services.
“By denying people seeking asylum the right to work, keeping people in hotels for years, restricting refugees’ rights to family reunion, the UK Government is trapping people in poverty, breaking up families, and hindering community cohesion.
“Scotland has always been clear. New Scots are welcome here - and support to help folks settle in their communities should start from day one.
“But with Westminster parties in a constant battle to see who can be the harshest and most dehumanising, there is a clear and present threat to the rights of refugees and migrant communities.
“Now, with the very real prospect of a far right Reform government in Westminster that would remove Indefinite Leave to Remain and deport large numbers of new Scots, it is more urgent than ever that Scotland has the powers and the resources to do things differently.
“Scotland is a welcoming country and we must ensure that everyone who comes here - especially those fleeing persecution - are supported to rebuild their lives here. That is a vision that I hope MSPs from all parties can support.
“We could build an asylum system that protects people seeking safety, and builds resilient, welcoming communities. The UK Government had the chance to do this, but instead they have chosen to blame immigrants for their own political failures.”