Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Covid-19: Asylum Seeker Services in Glasgow

17 June 2020 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow South West

Asylum & RefugeesNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Stephens raised concerns about covid-19: asylum seeker services in glasgow in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Deputy Speaker Chris Stephens condemned violence at a peaceful protest in George Square and highlighted Mears' inadequate support for asylum seekers in Glasgow.
  • Chris Stephens urged the Minister to reconsider eviction and support cessation policies due to public health concerns during the pandemic.
  • Chris Philp acknowledged disturbances in Glasgow, condemned violent protests, and highlighted the UK's generous support for asylum seekers including free accommodation, NHS healthcare, and education.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow South West

Mr Deputy Speaker, Chris Stephens began by condemning the violence at a peaceful protest in George Square and praised those who campaigned for asylum seekers. He then highlighted the inadequacy of Home Office contractor Mears' treatment of asylum seekers in Glasgow, mentioning the low support rates, insufficient digital resources for education during lockdown, and lack of wi-fi access. Stephens urged the Minister to reconsider the current policy on evictions and support cessations due to public health concerns, especially during the pandemic. He also addressed hotel detentions, stating that they are detrimental to asylum seekers' well-being and demanding immediate medical care provision. Finally, he called for an end to the practice of moving asylum seekers around various areas of Glasgow without proper community support.

Other contributors (4)
  • Christine Jardine LD Edinburgh West

    Jardine agreed with Stephens that asylum seekers are not treated with dignity, particularly during the pandemic.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon supported Stephens' argument and emphasised the need for financial assistance to ensure asylum seekers can survive crises.

  • David Linden SNP Glasgow East

    Linden called for a reconsideration of the dispersal policy that moves asylum seekers around, highlighting its negative impact on community support and mental health.

  • Anne McLaughlin SNP Central Ayrshire

    McLaughlin highlighted the dangers faced by those campaigning for better conditions for asylum seekers due to far-right violence.

Government Response

Chris Philp

Mr Deputy Speaker, Chris Philp acknowledged the disturbances in Glasgow and condemned violent protests. He highlighted the UK's generosity towards asylum seekers by mentioning the high number of grants provided and significant funding increase for local authorities to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Philp emphasised that asylum seekers receive free accommodation, utility bills paid, council tax covered, NHS healthcare and free education alongside cash support rates which were increased by 5%, well above inflation. He noted that the cessation of support policy was suspended during the pandemic and will be carefully reconsidered based on public health advice and in consultation with local authorities. Philp also addressed concerns about hotel detentions, stating they are temporary measures not intended to be permanent and that each room has wi-fi access and cultural sensitivity provisions including Korans and prayer mats. He offered to meet Glasgow MPs to discuss specific concerns in detail.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy