Meeting of the Parliament 17 June 2014
I, too, welcome the debate, which is fitting in refugee week.
I have no doubt that, across the chamber, we want to see the asylum system constantly improving and evolving. We should therefore welcome the ambition in the “New Scots” report to better integrate refugees into Scotland’s communities. I share the vision that was set out by John Wilkes, the chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, when he said:
“Our vision is for a Scotland in which all people seeking refugee protection are welcome and where they are protected, find safety and support, have their human rights and dignity respected and are able to achieve their full potential in their new communities.”
We should commend the excellent work of local authorities and third sector organisations in supporting individuals and families who seek asylum in Scotland. Their work means that those who seek safety and a place to start their lives again, free from fear and persecution, are able to access the things that many of us take for granted, such as housing and education. However, the picture is not perfect. The report highlights the fact that 96 per cent of refugees experience homelessness at some point and that there must be greater, more flexible English for speakers of other languages—ESOL—provision for women with families.
Let us be in no doubt that the Scottish Government already has a duty to ensure that individuals and families who join us here in Scotland have those things—they are basic human rights. I reject the idea that independence would be a magic pill to a better system and the idea that the UK arrangement that is in place at the moment is cold and compassionless. The system is not perfect, but progress has been made.