Meeting of the Parliament 10 September 2025
Of course, every country needs an asylum policy, but we would not allow a backlog of claims to build up, and we would not have a system that did not allow migration into our country at times when we wanted people to come into our country. We would be responsible, morally and economically.
I ask the chamber to join me in rejecting divisive, dehumanising rhetoric in favour of delivering our moral and legal duties of protection and building a strong and resilient community.
I leave the chamber with the words of Sabir Zazai from the Scottish Refugee Council, who is himself a refugee. Talking about refugees, he says:
“To live in fear is not a choice. It is a condition forced upon them. And when we allow fear to shape our response, we do not become safer. We become smaller.”
I move amendment S6M-18780.3, to leave out from “acknowledges” to end and insert:
“reaffirms individuals’ rights to asylum under international law, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol; upholds the European Convention on Human Rights, and highlights Scotland’s place in the world as a welcoming nation to those fleeing persecution, conflict or danger.”
16:15Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.