What kind of welcoming society are we? There are around 140 asylum seekers in Glasgow who are facing imminent eviction from their accommodation currently provided by Ypeople (formerly the YMCA). Why? The contract has now gone to Serco and this leaves Ypeople in a difficult position.
They have accommodated these asylum seekers over many years with compassion and helped those whose claims have been exhausted and have nowhere to go. Because of a government policy decision related to tendering Ypeople can no longer continue their support and these asylum seekers now face eviction and potentially homelessness.
The level of compassion towards a group of vulnerable people shown by organisations such as Ypeople is clearly not shared by local and central government.
These are vulnerable people living in our midst who are unable to return to countries where they will most certainly encounter oppression and violence. They now also face fear and uncertainty here in Scotland too – a country who offered them sanctuary and a place of safety.
We must now stand beside our international brothers and sisters. I have written to local and national government to urge them to act with compassion and address this situation urgently.
What kind of society are we? We have allowed thousands of asylum seekers to live in Glasgow all free for years. They have overstayed their welcome, time for them to leave.
ReplyDeleteThese 140 failed asylum seekers have had their cases to remain in Britain legally listened to and a legal decision made that they have no legal or moral right to remain in Britain - the failed asylum seekers refuse to leave - they are placing themselves and their families in a destitute position.
Ypeople should not have allowed the failed seekers to remain in the seekers’ loaned accommodation. Question - whom was paying to finance the failed seekers rent, council tax, utility bills etc whilst the failed seekers refused to vacate our social housing?
Our Home Office will gladly return the failed asylum seekers to their countries. Our City Council, Home Office, UKBA and all involved should assist in deporting the refused asylum seekers.
Some of the people concerned have not exhausted the legal processes open to them in claiming asylum, while others are from countries that they can't return to despite the outcome of their asylum claim. Ypeople can best explain how the housing costs were met, but it is a big assumption to say that it fell to "the taxpayer". In any event some of us who pay tax would want to see people who are destitute have their basic needs met as a matter of priority.
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