Dozens of MSPs have taken our pledge to detoxify the debate around immigration by speaking about refugees with dignity and compassion.
The conflicts people flee from don’t start with bullets; they start with words.
We’ve seen first-hand the damage caused when dehumanising language is used to describe refugees and people seeking asylum. And we’ve experienced the fear and division it causes in our communities.
That’s why we’ve asked members of Scottish Parliament to take our pledge to improve standards of debate. Dozens of MSPs have already signed up.
The Pledge
I recognise that conflicts people flee from don’t start with bullets, they start with words. The use of language in public life about refugees and people seeking asylum shapes the communities we live in.
I pledge to respect the privilege of public office, and to use my position to de-escalate political tensions by:
- Speaking about refugees and people seeking asylum with dignity and compassion.
- Avoiding language that dehumanises, stereotypes, or fosters division.
- Promoting public understanding rooted in fact, fairness, and empathy.
- Upholding the responsibility of political leadership to nurture the development of human rights.
The following MSPs have signed:
Claire Baker MSP
Colin Beattie MSP
Sarah Boyack MSP
Ariane Burgess MSP
Maggie Chapman MSP
Foysol Choudhury MSP
Bob Doris MSP
Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP
Joe Fitzpatrick MSP
Christine Grahame MSP
Rhoda Grant MSP
Jamie Greene MSP
Patrick Harvey MSP
Clare Haughey MSP
Bill Kidd MSP
Monica Lennon MSP
Rona Mackay MSP
Ruth Maguire MSP
John Mason MSP
Paul McLennan MSP
Stuart McMillan MSP
Marie McNair MSP
Pauline McNeil MSP
Paul O’Kane MSP
Willie Rennie MSP
Emma Roddick MSP
Alex Rowley MSP
Lorna Slater MSP
Kaukab Stewart MSP
Kevin Stewart MSP
Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Paul Sweeney MSP
John Swinney MSP
Michelle Thomson MSP
David Torrance MSP
Mercedes Villaba MSP
Elena Whitham MSP
Beatrice Wishart MSP
Humza Yousaf MSP
