Refugees and asylum seekers could be given the right to vote in Scottish elections under new proposals.

MSPs are considering a range of reforms to electoral law in the Scottish Elections Bill, which would include a move to extend the franchise to citizens of all countries who are legally resident in Scotland.

An amendment by the Scottish Greens aims to ensure a refugee who has

had their application to

enter or remain in the UK recorded would be deemed to be a “qualifying foreign national”, allowing them to cast a vote, stand in elections and hold office.

Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell outlined the issue of an “open democracy”.

He said: “After the incredible engagement in the independence referendum of 2014, where 16-year-olds could vote in the UK for the first time, Scotland should be looking to widen the franchise further to ensure that everyone has a say in our future.

“Everyone who makes up our communities should be able to take part in our democracy.

“Our approach, especially to those who have fled war, famine or persecution to come here, should be to ask them to pull up a chair.

“I hope the Scottish Government will consider this important step in making sure everyone feels welcome in Scotland as a progressive, inclusive democracy.”