Greens propose free public transport for refugees
Those fleeing the way in Ukraine, as well as other refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland, should be provided with free access to public transport, the Scottish Greens have said.
Scottish Greens external affairs spokesperson Ross Greer raised the point in response to the First Minister’s announcement of Scottish Government plans to welcome and support Ukrainian refugees to Scotland.
Speaking afterwards, Ross Greer said:
“As the Ukraine crisis has highlighted, refugees often come to Scotland with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing and get almost no support from the UK Home Office. Public and privately-owned bus and rail operators across mainland Europe have offered free transport to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. We should replicate that practical solidarity here and extend it to all those seeking refuge here, whether they are from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria or anywhere else.
“The Scottish Government’s powers are limited when it comes to supporting refugees, but this is something we are capable of delivering and the recent extension of free bus travel to under-22s shows what a difference it can make to family budgets. For asylum seeking families forced to survive on just a few pounds a day, it would be transformational.”