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Overhaul of asylum system could ‘detach the UK from international refugee law,’ warn Scottish campaigners

CAMPAIGNERS in Scotland have warned Boris Johnson that his government’s overhaul of the asylum system could “detach the UK from international refugee law.”

Charities and community groups north of the border have written to the Prime Minister highlighting their concerns that changes may see Westminster “directly intrude on the devolved competences of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish government.”

Last month, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced what she described as the “most significant overhaul of our asylum system in decades.”

Under the proposals, individuals deemed to have arrived “illegally” will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive “legally,” leading to concerns that asylum claims won’t be judged on merit.

The groups, including the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC), the Scottish Muslim Forum, the Scottish Trades Union Congress and Shelter, told Mr Johnson that the plan would “render many people seeking refugee protection, on arrival in the UK, ineligible for asylum.”

They said: “Most people in Scotland and the rest of the UK want a system that reflects the compassion, decency and common sense they believe in – especially as we rebuild the UK after the pandemic.”

The groups called for ministers to “set out clearly how they will engage with devolved governments to ensure that a fair and humane asylum system can be developed that works for all four nations of the UK”.

SRC chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “These proposals are a direct threat to the very principle of providing asylum and, put plainly, are the biggest threat to refugee rights in the UK that we have seen for decades.

“The fact is that, for the vast majority of people seeking protection, doing so through an organised and official route is simply impossible. There is no illegal route to seek asylum and the UK government is perfectly aware of this.”

He also described the planned use of temporary reception centres as another serious concern. 

A government spokesman said: “We have a responsibility to put the New Plan for Immigration into action so that we can fix the broken asylum system, helping people based on need, not the ability to pay people-smugglers.

“We recognise the importance of successfully integrating those resettled in the UK and the New Plan sets out a number of measures to support this, including immediate indefinite leave to remain for those that arrive through safe and legal routes.”

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