Refugees need more help

FOR WORLD SOCIALISM

MSPs looking at the problems facing asylum seekers in Scotland have said "destitution" is built into the process. The equalities and human rights committee said that, too often, vulnerable people fell victim to homelessness, ill health and misery.

The committee investigated asylum and destitution, where people are left without adequate accommodation or the ability to meet essential living needs. Committee convener, the SNP's Christina McKelvie, said the evidence they heard pointed to "huge gaps" in the asylum system which suffered from a "serious lack of compassion and humanity".

The British Red Cross in Scotland told the committee the number of destitute refugees and asylum seekers it had helped in Glasgow had more than doubled from 326 in 2014 to 820 in 2016.