SCOTLAND is ready to welcome around one-third of all Syrian refugees set to arrive in the UK before Christmas – but last night campaigners said Westminster must do more.
Europe is in the grip of the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, with millions of people fleeing conflict now scattered in camps across Europe and the Middle East and millions more walking to safety in the West.
The UK Government has repeatedly refused to open its doors to what David Cameron labelled “swarms” of migrants and will instead accept only a limited number of displaced Syrians.
Around 20,000 refugees from camps surrounding the war-torn country will be allowed in over a five-year period. Yesterday the Scottish Government announced that it will resettle one-third of the 1,000 Syrians set to arrive in the UK by Christmas.
Positive Action in Housing (PAIH), which works on the front line of the refugee crisis by raising funds and providing support, advocacy and shelter, praised the Scottish Government’s “humanitarian” response.
However, director Robina Qureshi said the small numbers shame the UK and insisted Westminster must change.
Around 2,200 people from around the UK have now signed up to the PAIH refugee host scheme, offering to open their homes to those in need.
Qureshi told The National: “This is a welcome response and we need to recognise that the Scottish Government is taking a very positive, proactive and humanitarian response on this issue.
“We have the capacity to take more. We are a tiny charity – if we can generate 2,200 responses from people around the country then it is quite clear that the UK government underestimates the full capacity for this country to take in refugees.
“When it suits them, they say we’re great and we lead the world, when it suits them they say we’re just a tiny island. The hypocrisy is just breathtaking.
“The numbers that we are talking about means that this country has to change. We have to share what we have.”
International development minister Humza Yousaf yesterday offered to visit local authorities to support preparation for the new arrivals as he announced the news.
Yousaf, who chairs Holyrood’s refugee taskforce, said: “Scotland’s response to the humanitarian crisis has been phenomenal and we have been working to ensure we provide a very warm welcome to those who come to Scotland seeking protection, safety and security.
“Of the refugees expected to arrive in the UK before Christmas, Scotland is expected to take around one-third, and this is testament to the work of the taskforce, local authorities and many other partner organisations to ensure we are ready – and we are ready.”
He added: “I realise that local authorities have already gone to great lengths to prepare themselves but I will be looking to visit them to discuss their arrangements and offer them support and advice if they feel it beneficial.
“It has been heart-warming and inspiring to see the positive reaction from people all over Scotland and local communities will play a crucial role in the integration of these refugees.
“We cannot overestimate the importance of local engagement in response to what is an international crisis.
“Scotland is a caring and compassionate country and we have worked with our partners to provide a welcoming environment for those refugees.
“Areas such as local government, housing, health services, language support, transport and social services are crucial to this, and the taskforce has worked to ensure these services are ready.”
However, Qureshi said access to services must come second to offering the chance to live in safety.
She said: “If it means the difference between someone being in a crumbling camp and being in a safe country where you can breathe and live, even if you don’t have all the resources, we would say take them in.
“The normal rules don’t apply here. We are talking about sharing a toilet with 83 other people.
“You could put them on Uist or the furthermost island and that would be better than where they are now.”
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