Scottish Refugee Council today (Monday November 17th) warned that the UK Government’s expected Danish-style immigration reforms risk pushing the national conversation into dangerous territory by mirroring the language and tone of the far right.
The UK Home Secretary has announced a series of sweeping measures, including:
- Temporary rather than permanent refugee status, ending automatic settlement for those granted protection.
- Tighter family reunion rules, raising age, income, and integration requirements.
- Changes to human rights law, limiting the use of Article 8 and reviewing application of Article 3
- Stronger and faster removal powers for failed asylum seekers.
Responding to the proposals, Sabir Zazai, CEO of Scottish Refugee Council said:
“We can have a firm, fair asylum system without abandoning our humanity. It is entirely reasonable that if someone’s asylum claim is refused after full consideration, they return home. But the way we speak about people seeking sanctuary matters just as much as the policies we design.”
Dr Zazai warned that political rhetoric has become increasingly dehumanising — and that adopting the tone of the far right is both morally wrong and socially dangerous.
“People fleeing war, persecution and trauma are not a burden. They are not a threat. They are human beings. Yet too often, the way we talk about them strips away their dignity. When politicians use language that echoes the far right, they don’t defeat extremism — they legitimise it.”
“Imagine arriving here with nothing, being placed in cold, overcrowded accommodation, and surviving on just a few pounds a week. Then imagine being told your right to remain may be denied simply because your family doesn’t meet new thresholds.
“We can protect our borders without undermining our humanity. We can enforce rules without embracing rhetoric that divides. The UK must show that firmness and compassion can go hand in hand — and that the dignity of every person remains at the heart of our asylum system.”
“People in Scotland want an asylum system that is controlled, that they have confidence in, and that shows compassion. The Home Secretary’s planned announcement does none of these things. We need a humane, effective and efficient system that could work for communities across the United Kingdom and those seeking protection.”
Read our response to the government’s use of military barracks.
