Humza Yousaf slapped down by James Cleverly as SNP rebuked for not taking ‘fair share’ of asylum seekers
James Cleverly has slapped down the SNP, claiming Scotland doesn’t take its “fair share” of asylum seekers, despite the SNP’s claim that it is more welcoming to migrants.
In a letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf, the Home Secretary said: “This issue extends right across Great Britain and it is essential each part of the country plays its part.
“Providing safe and appropriate accommodation to those that claim asylum will help you deliver that aim and so I look forward to your support in going further in Scotland.
“Therefore, I am writing to ask for your support in rapidly increasing the asylum accommodation estate in Scotland.
“Reaching parity between our nations on the number of asylum seekers per capita is the only way to deliver fair and equitable asylum accommodation.”
Data published last year showed Scotland was housing 5,086 asylum seekers out of a UK total of 112,294.
That amounts to just 4.5 per cent of the total. Scotland makes up 8.1 per cent of the UK population.
The Scottish Government said: “The Home Office is responsible for provision of asylum accommodation, including hotels procured as contingency initial asylum accommodation.
“The UK Government needs to respect the important role of local authorities in asylum dispersal and should provide more financial support for them as it presses ahead with plans to close asylum hotels.
“We have received the Home Secretary’s letter and will respond in due course.”
The SNP has been fiercely critical of the Government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda.
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Writing on X after MPs voted to approve the Safety of Rwanda Bill, Yousaf said: “Westminster values are not Scotland’s values.”
He added: “The most disgraceful piece of legislation in modern UK political history passes its 2nd reading.
“We need a humane asylum system and to create legal routes for those seeking sanctuary. The SNP will continue to oppose this legislation.”