Greens call for end to racist and cruel ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ policy
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has urged MSPs from all parties to back her call for an end to the repressive and racist ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ policy which is forcing marginalised people into destitution.
Ms Chapman has called for an end to the punishing policy as part of her amendment which will be considered this afternoon during a Scottish Government Debate on Building a Migration System that Supports Scotland’s Economy, Public Services and Communities.
No Recourse to Public Funds is a condition attached to work, family and study visas which restricts access to a lot of aspects of social security, including Universal Credit and child benefit and a range of other support like homelessness assistance.
Ms Chapman said:
“This is a cruel and punishing policy that has no place in any humane migration system. Nobody should be made homeless, forced into destitution, or have their human rights ignored, regardless of their immigration status.
“The UK’s reactionary and racist immigration system, and the No Recourse to Public Funds policy in particular, put people in danger and prevent them from accessing essential lifeline services in times of need, leaving them open to exploitation.
“With the powers of a normal independent country, Scotland could build a far fairer system based on support, solidarity and human rights.
“I hope that MSPs from across the Chamber will join me in supporting this crucial change that could make a big difference to the lives and wellbeing of some of the most marginalised people in our communities.”
Text of Maggie Chapman amendment
As an amendment to motion S6M-16034 in the name of Kaukab Stewart (Building a Migration System that Supports Scotland’s Economy, Public Services and Communities) insert at end "; remains committed to ensuring all migrants in Scotland have all of their rights fulfilled; recognises the pervasive and increasingly hostile anti-migrant rhetoric from some politicians and media sources; believes that further action is required by both the UK and Scottish governments to support people displaced due to the climate crisis; and calls on the UK Government to remove the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) conditions that limit the support and services available to many, especially those seeking asylum."