Many constituents have spoken to me this month about rumours that the Bothwell Bridge Hotel would be used to house asylum seekers. I have received confirmation today from the Home Office that the hotel will not be used for this purpose as they have been unable to secure its use.
I believe this is the right outcome as the asylum seekers would not have ready access to appropriate services in the Bothwell area.
I was disappointed by the attitudes of some residents online to the possibility of asylum seekers in our community. On the other hand, I was delighted to see many local organisations and individuals were ready to step up and help however they could.
Asylum is the right of all individuals fleeing persecution, granting refuge is the duty of all nations receiving such people. Successive Tory UK Governments have taken an inhumane approach to asylum, from Teresa May’s Hostile Environment and “Go Home” vans, to Pritti Patel’s Rwanda Policy. Making legal in domestic law that which is illegal under international law. It is Scotland’s duty welcome asylum seekers settling in our country.
Cllr Cal Johnston-Dempsey 