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The Scottish First Minister, John Swinney, has criticized the Home Office for hastily deciding to accommodate asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks in Inverness, describing the plans as being made “on the back of an envelope.” His remarks followed the announcement that the intended relocation of around 300 men to the barracks, scheduled for early December, had been postponed. Swinney further condemned some protesters outside the barracks for expressing racist sentiments but acknowledged that the public had legitimate concerns about the scheme, particularly regarding the Home Office’s lack of proper engagement with Scottish authorities.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme, Swinney emphasized the rushed and disorganized nature of the government’s approach. He stated, “The Home Office said that they didn’t want to preside over a chaotic and unsafe approach – that’s exactly what they are presiding over.” He also highlighted that neither Highland Council nor the Scottish government had been adequately consulted about the plans, underscoring the disconnect between the Home Office and local stakeholders. The postponement of the barracks plan, Swinney argued, was an acknowledgment from the Home Office of the practical challenges it faces.
Earlier this year, Cameron Barracks, as well as the Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex, were identified as potential temporary housing sites for asylum seekers. The proposal met with opposition from local councils, including Wealden District Council in East Sussex, which formally rejected the Crowborough plan. Similarly, Highland Council voiced concerns about the scale of the Cameron Barracks proposal and the impact it could have on local services. Notably, the 140-year-old barracks near Inverness had previously been used to shelter Afghan families fleeing conflict. The Home Office insists it remains committed to accelerating the movement of asylum seekers to such sites but insists that safety and community well-being will not be compromised.
The government’s efforts to house asylum seekers have sparked widespread protests across the UK, particularly during the summer months. Demonstrations took place outside hotels in Perth, Falkirk, and Aberdeenshire, some of which included disturbing displays such as a protester performing a Nazi salute and banners carrying violent slogans. In Scotland, the appearance of Union and saltire flags at some locations has been linked to anti-immigration sentiment. Highland Council moved to remove unauthorized flags and signage near Cameron Barracks, reinforcing a policy of zero tolerance for such displays on public property. Swinney expressed serious concern over the racist elements observed during protests, noting, “It’s important that we call out racism where we see it in society… some of the people who are protesting outside asylum hotels and facilities are expressing racist views.”
In addition to concerns about public demonstrations, there are questions from the public regarding the practicalities of asylum seeker accommodation, such as access to healthcare. The UK government recently announced a ban on asylum seekers using taxis for medical appointments starting in February, following revelations of costly, long-distance taxi journeys funded by the Home Office. Swinney criticized this measure, pointing out that adequate access to healthcare is essential, and contended that the chaotic arrangements made by the Home Office have contributed to such issues. He stated, “Don’t send asylum seekers to places where it’s impossible for them to access public services because what you will then do is feed stories like the one you’ve just put to me.”
A Home Office spokesperson responded by expressing frustration over the number of illegal migrants and the strain on asylum hotels. They highlighted the move to larger military sites, such as Cameron Barracks, as part of broader reforms intended to deter illegal migration. The spokesperson reaffirmed intentions to proceed with relocating asylum seekers to these sites once they are deemed fully operational and safe, promising continued collaboration with local authorities throughout the process
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