SNP blast 'inhumane Tory plans' to deport rough sleepers

The SNP have blasted “inhumane and outrageous plans” to deport migrants who are sleeping rough from the UK.

New immigration rules mean rough sleepers, who are not UK residents, could have their right to remain in the country refused.

The Home Office say this will only be the case if they are engaged in persistent anti-social behaviour or have refused support.

However the SNP’s immigration spokesperson, Anne McLaughlin, claims this will “only serve to deter” vulnerable people from seeking the right support.

The MP for Glasgow North East said: “These plans are outrageous and inhumane.

“This is yet another ‘hostile environment’ measure that will further punish people who often experience homelessness as a direct result of the UK government’s ‘hostile environment’. Clearly the Home Office has learned nothing from its disgraceful handling of Windrush, which caused immeasurable suffering to thousands.

“Priti Patel said she wanted to ‘build a fairer, more compassionate Home Office that puts people first’ – these plans fly in the face of that.

“It is clear that the only way to deliver fairness for everyone in Scotland – and help some of the most vulnerable people in the world that seek refuge here – is for Scotland to become an independent country with the ability to create its own migration and asylum policies based on dignity and respect. Scotland has shown it wants nothing to do with the Tories’ toxic migration system.”