Evicting asylum seekers from hotels in Glasgow would be “disastrous” and is “unconscionable” the Home Secretary has been told.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, and Jen Layden, convenor for Equalities and Human Rights, have written to Priti Patel warning her of the consequences if the UK Government goes ahead with the plan of ending support.
Last month the Home Office said that evictions would begin to take place in England and talks were to take place with the Scottish Government.
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It means Asylum seekers who have been refused and have no appeal pending would be served notice to leave the UK within 21 days.
The Home said “The phased cessation of support has now begun in order to reduce the demand on the asylum system. We have been clear from the outset that this was a temporary measure which would be brought to an end as soon as it was safe to do so.”
The council said it would not provide operational support for evictions.
The letter states: To do so in the current climate in the city would be dangerous, would put numerous people at risk and would be disastrous for community relations in the city.
The council leader also said with reports of a Covid19 outbreak in one of the hotels where asylum seekers are staying, removing people from their accommodation is dangerous.
She said: “It will not have support in the city, and it has the potential to impact on community cohesion in the city.”
Ms Aitken and Ms Layden said the council and people in Glasgow welcome asylum seekers and said this has been demonstrated recently.
They added: “Putting hundreds of vulnerable asylum seekers at risk of street homelessness and destitution during a global pandemic and knowing the public health evidence of risk this move should not be seriously considered.”
Ms Layden said: “Trying to force those seeking asylum into leaving the country by making them destitute is inhumane at any time – but to continue to do it during a public health emergency defies any explanation.
“We already know that Covid has a disproportionate impact on our BAME communities and those experiencing deprivation and homelessness. Increasing their vulnerability will put lives at risk.
“The city can’t support action that risks public health and is prepared to fight it through the courts, if necessary.”
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