Cole-Hamilton: Scrap the Illegal Migration Bill and strengthen humanitarian goals

Speaking on World Humanitarian Day (Saturday 19th August), Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has praised the work of humanitarian workers across the world, called on the UK Government to scrap its Illegal Migration Bill and urged both of Scotland’s governments to further humanitarian objectives.  

Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling on:

• The UK Government to scrap their Illegal Migration Bill, legislation which will actively harm refugees fleeing the worst violence imaginable.  
• The UK and Scottish governments to consolidate protections for people who are refugees or asylum seekers, upholding their human rights and supporting them as far as we can, including steps to stop them from being evicted from their temporary housing.
• The UK and Scottish governments to support a right to work for asylum seekers, helping to avoid impoverishment and allowing them to contribute to the economy.
• The UK and Scottish governments to strengthen climate initiatives to help people around the world who will be among the first to be harmed by the devastation of the climate emergency.
• The UK and Scottish governments to put stronger human rights protocols in place to govern our relationships with other countries.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:  

“Across the globe, the scale of human suffering is horrific.  

“Crises like those in Yemen and Afghanistan, the war in Ukraine and years of devastating civil war in South Sudan are just some examples of why we must use our freedoms to speak out in support of those who are persecuted and oppressed.

“As we remember those atrocities, it’s also important that we mark the unwavering bravery of those who delve into them, endeavouring to protect and save the lives of those in need.

“Those humanitarian efforts serve as an inspiration to my party, and that is why Scottish Liberal Democrats want to see both our governments playing their part to further our humanitarian objectives.  

“The UK Government must scrap their Illegal Migration Bill, which would only demonise the desperate and make the circumstances of some of the most vulnerable people on our planet even worse. We must strengthen support for those fleeing to our shores, implementing measures which will allow people to meaningfully rebuild their lives far from home.

“Crucially, we must continue to prioritise tackling the climate emergency in our international work as it is often poorer countries which are left to deal with the gravest consequences of that emergency.  

“On World Humanitarian Day and beyond, Scottish Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for equality, justice and liberty for all.”