Scottish Greens condemn use of military in asylum system
Scottish Greens have condemned proposals to give the UK military responsibility for dealing with refugees crossing the Channel by boat.
Reports have claimed that plans are also being drawn up to send people to countries such as Ghana and Rwanda for processing and resettlement, a clear infringement of people’s right to seek asylum in the UK.
At First Minister’s Questions the party’s human rights spokesperson Maggie Chapman raised the issue and called for more support for asylum seekers based in Scotland.
Maggie Chapman said: “The Prime Minister’s intention to use the military to prevent asylum seekers reaching the UK is deeply immoral, as is the possibility of trading access to COVID vaccines for the right to open detention centres in other countries.
“In Scotland the Home Office houses asylum seekers in appalling conditions, including those in Aberdeen accommodated in hotels but not given basic support or things like toiletries, culturally sensitive food and language classes.
“While we do not have the full powers to counter these racist policies, we can make sure that asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland are treated better by improving the support available through local authorities, so that these people are treated with dignity.”