AS the Scottish Parliament made history with the election of the first ethnic minority First Minister of Scotland in Humza Yousaf MSP, the government at Westminster were demonstrating why there is a huge gulf between the two parliaments.

At the very time Scotland’s first ethnic minority First Minister was being elected in Holyrood, the Westminster government were discussing the Illegal Migration Bill, legislation brought forward by the Conservatives which is effectively designed to ban asylum, ban refugees, regardless of the circumstances, even the threat to life, no protection offered.

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This bill at Westminster contravenes international law on the rights of the refugee. The election of Humza Yousaf MSP as Scotland’s First Minister sends a clear message to the world from Scotland: all are welcome.

Catriona C Clark
Falkirk