IN one tragic accident last week, five people – including a child – lost their lives while attempting to cross the Channel to reach the UK.
This deeply upsetting news was a terrible reminder of how people around the world are forced to flee their homes, and the terrible risks they will often take just to reach a place of safety. It underscored the need to provide safe routes and treat people seeking asylum with kindness and compassion.
Not only is the bill morally repugnant, it also won’t work. When we have seen people putting their lives in danger by crossing the Channel to reach safety, it seems highly unlikely that the threat of being sent to Rwanda will be an effective deterrent. The UK Government should instead focus on making the asylum system fit for purpose and working through the backlog, while ensuring there is adequate funding for councils to support people seeking asylum.
Earlier this month, we announced £3.6 million in Scottish Government funding for Scottish Refugee Council’s Refugee Support Service. This funding will allow them to continue supporting people to settle into communities and rebuild their lives here – including helping them to access health, housing, welfare and employment support.
Horrific instability and conflicts are happening around the world, causing unimaginable destruction to lives and livelihoods. People should be able to access safe routes to seek refuge in the UK, and they should be supported once they get here. While the UK Government imposes its cruel Rwanda Bill, this Government will always treat those seeking sanctuary with dignity and respect.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MPs reject Lords' amendments on Rwanda bill – here's how Scottish Tories votedALMOST all of Scotland’s Tory MPs voted to reject the House of Lords’ amendments to Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda legislation – including calls to…
Read more »
Top Scottish Tories called out after refusal to go on BBC Sunday ShowSCOTTISH Secretary Alister Jack and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross both refused to appear on the
Read more »
FactCheck: ministers claim Rwanda policy will deter people from crossing the ChannelThe Home Office admits the deterrent effect is 'uncertain'.
Read more »
Five migrants die trying to cross the Channel hours after Lords backs Rwanda billFrench police have launched an operation in the Channel after five migrants died while attempting to cross.
Read more »
Five migrants feared dead in Channel hours after Rwanda bill passesA police operation is under way after reports at least five migrants have died during an attempt to cross the Channel
Read more »
Five migrants including child feared dead in Channel hours after Rwanda bill passesA police operation is under way after reports at least five migrants have died during an attempt to cross the Channel
Read more »