Labour says SNP’s refugee policy has been ‘kicked into the long grass’

Scottish Labour have accused the SNP of failing to make any progress on a policy to help refugees.

In their 2021 election manifesto, the SNP pledged to create Scotland’s first “cities of refuge” – starting with Glasgow – which would welcome writers and artists fleeing persecution.

A response to a written question at Holyrood said work on this would take place later in the parliamentary term, leading Labour to accuse the government of deciding to “kick this policy into the long grass”.

In the written response, social justice secretary Shona Robison said: “The development of cities of refuge will align with the approach of our New Scots refugee integration strategy, which sets out the vision of a welcoming Scotland, where people seeking protection are supported to rebuild their lives from the day they arrive.”

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government announced it was pausing its super-sponsor scheme for Ukrainian refugees due to high demand, following a similar decision by the Welsh Government.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “The SNP’s decision to kick this policy into the long grass is another blow to their claims to be standing up for refugees.

“As is so often the case with this timid government they are posturing but not delivering.

“We need to lead the way in actions as well as words when it comes to welcoming refugees to Scotland.

“The SNP must stop dragging their heels and deliver this pledge with the urgency and ambition needed.”