What kind of Society are we?

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.