We are completely devastated by what happened at the Park Inn. It is difficult to process that this has happened in Glasgow, in our city which has done so much to welcome newcomers over the years.
We are devastated for everyone affected by this: hotel guests, staff, contractors and the police and emergency services.
We know that people beyond this are also affected, including the wider refugee and asylum communities in Scotland, many of whom have lived through extremely traumatic experiences and came to Scotland seeking safety and protection from violence. We are keeping our helpline open throughout this weekend for anyone who needs our support.
“We know too that all of us in Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, will be affected in different ways by this. We call for a united and dignified response in sorrow at this horrific event, and a commitment to continue our joint work to build a society where everyone is included, supported and valued.
We have expressed repeated concern over the last three months about the use of hotel accommodation for people in the asylum system. These are people who have lost their homes and livelihoods and are desperate for a new start, but who otherwise are no different from everyone else in Glasgow.
It has always been our belief that people who are in Scotland seeking refugee protection require and deserve safe, secure accommodation – a home – from which to rebuild their lives. Temporary accommodation in hotels can never fulfil this.
Until more facts are confirmed about what happened at the hotel we will not be able to comment further on the issue of hotel accommodation. But we stand ready as always to work in partnership with all relevant parties to support people and to seek a swift end to the use of Home Office hotel accommodation in Glasgow.
