Scotland Welcomes Refugees

New website to help co-ordinate Scotland’s response to the refugee crisis.

A new website www.scotlandwelcomesrefugees.scot has been launched today to help co-ordinate Scotland’s response to the international refugee crisis.

Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf made the announcement of the new website following the 2nd meeting of the refugee taskforce, where it was reiterated that the UK Government should do more immediately and that Scotland is willing to accept its fair share of whatever number of refugees the UK takes.

Mr Yousaf, said:

'Scotland is firm in its commitment to helping the most vulnerable people in crisis and to accepting our fair share of whatever number of refugees the UK takes. The First Minister has made it very clear that 1,000 refugees coming to Scotland should be seen as a minimum and very much an initial, immediate figure – it is not a cap or a limit, nor is it spread out over five years like the announcement made by the Prime Minister last week.

“Scotland is happy to take a 10 per cent share of the total number that come to the UK and we again urge the UK Government to do more and increase their numbers.

“We have been overwhelmed with practical offers of support from ordinary people across Scotland all wanting to help alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable people caught up in this humanitarian emergency.

“Scotland’s response has been amazing so far. There are people from all walks of life in different parts of Scotland wanting to do what they can to help. There are many groups and organisations already taking practical steps and we really welcome this enthusiasm and energy. This new website will provide an important addition in marshalling Scotland’s efforts in our concerted and organised response to this refugee crisis.

“The work of the Taskforce is well underway and we will make sure that Scotland is ready to give the very best of Scottish welcomes to the refugees who are fleeing their homes and seeking protection, safety and security.

“Scottish Government Ministers will continue to make representations to the UK Government advocating our position that we must and should do more now because we know that it is the right thing to do.”