Scottish Catholic Observer

The Glasgow archbishop (above) has spoken out against the ‘eviction and compulsory destitution’ of around 100 people who have come to Scotland to seek asylum, but whose applications have been refused.

The archbishop noted that, until now, the asylum seekers have lived in Glasgow, housed by Ypeople (formerly the YMCA), but—as the contract for housing asylum seekers in Scotland has been switched to multinational company Serco—these people face ‘being thrown on to the street,’ as Ypeople must return the houses currently being occupied by the asylum seekers to their original owners by August 20.

“It seems utterly inconceivable that a country with such strong traditions of welfare provision, fairness and social cohesion could allow innocent persons to be evicted, banned from working, left without food and shelter, and effectively eliminated from society,” Archbishop Conti said. “But that is exactly what is likely to happen—unless something is done.

“The obligation is on Scottish civic society to prevent this humanitarian scandal. Surely Serco, Ypeople and the owners of the houses could, over the next 10 weeks, negotiate a solution whereby the leases are transferred from one agency to another without evictions?

“The situation is, of course, not helped by the culture of the day.

“The demeaning term ‘failed asylum seekers’ is spat in the faces of these people by sections of the media whose barely concealed xenophobia helps foster the unhealthy climate in which the current plans have grown.”

Referring to the often-perilous situation faced by migrants, Archbishop Conti pointed to a statement from Pope Benedict XVI last month in which he made clear the Catholic Church’s teaching that ‘governments must show humanity when dealing with such people’ and that it is ‘necessary for states to ensure that legislation does not increase social inequality and that people can live dignified lives.’

“Alas, the UK Government is pursuing a different agenda,” the archbishop said.  “Far from allowing people to live the ‘dignified lives’ to which the Pope refers, we are seeing the resumption of dawn raids. Four family homes in the Glasgow area have recently been invaded by police and UK Border Agency officials while children were getting ready for school. I cannot imagine most of our fellow citizens feel comfortable about such activities being carried out in their name. There is now an urgent need to let Her Majesty’s Government, the UK Border Agency and the housing providers know that we require them to avert the humanitarian crisis which is about to happen, and happen in this Jubilee year in which we should be celebrating our country’s noblest traditions.”

— Archbishop Conti’s statement: http://sconews.co.uk/opinion/19660/archbishop-on-refugees/

—[email protected]