SNP protest against decision of UK Borders Agency

Speaking after today’s demonstration outside Glasgow City Chambers, in support of asylum seekers living in Glasgow, Leader of the Opposition Councillor James Dornan said: “Glasgow is a welcoming city – Glasgow is the ‘Friendly City’ and the Glaswegian hand of friendship has been extended to refugees and asylum seekers who live here.

“It was with mounting anger, therefore that I and many from all parties and none, today demonstrated against the barbaric decision of the UK Government’s Borders Agency the UKBA, to terminate Glasgow City Council’s accommodation contract.  Thousands of asylum seekers and their families now face confusion and upset as a result of this heartless decision.

“As the weather closes in for the winter – and the first asylum seekers prepare to be moved - this inhuman treatment cannot go unnoticed.  I hope that, with such strong sentiments being shown in support of our asylum seeker community, the UKBA reverse their decision immediately.

“The people affected are human beings – they are not commodities to be bartered in the misguided pursuit of savings.  Therefore, I urge all political parties and those interested in the best outcome for those affected to lobby the UK Government in the strongest possible terms.”.

Note:

• Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside Glasgow City Chambers this morning (Monday 15 November 2010).
  
• Members of the SNP Group on Glasgow City Council joined the protestors, as well as Glasgow’s four SNP list MSPs (Bob Doris MSP, Bill Kidd MSP, Anne McLaughlin MSP and Sandra White MSP)
  
• Councillor Dornan addressed the crowd from the podium as one of several speakers.
  
• The City Council’s political groups – excepting the conservatives – signed a joint letter calling on the UK Government to reverse the decision to terminate the accommodation contract. 
  
• A special paper was debated and approved at the Council’s Executive Committee of Thursday 11 November 2010