UK government slammed as ‘high-handed, inhumane’ over Inverness asylum seeker plan by Highland Greens MSP Ariane Burgess who says it’s ‘deeply disrespectful’
The UK government has been slammed as ‘high-handed, inhumane’ over its plan to house 300 male asylum seekers in Inverness by Highland Greens MSP Ariane Burgess.
She did not hold back when branding the move as “deeply disrespectful to both the asylum seekers and Highland communities” and “treating vulnerable people as logistical problems rather than human beings.”
The Highlands & Islands MSP picked up on how the decision appears to have been arrived at without transparency or consultation with Highland Council or local partners, sparked concern across the region.
Earlier today it emerged that the plan may not even be able to go ahead due to the need to refurbish the Cameron Barracks to the tune of £1.3 million.
The Home Office confirmed its plans on Monday leaving local authorities scrambling for information and clarity on the same day news broke the Home Office squandered “billions” on asylum hotels.
The government has indicated that the council will have no direct role in supporting the asylum seekers, and that asylum applications will not be processed locally - raising serious questions about the impact on community cohesion and public services.
Ms Burgess said: “This is yet another example of the UK government treating vulnerable people as logistical problems rather than human beings in need of compassion and dignity.
“The Labour Government’s decision to impose this plan on Inverness without consultation is not only disrespectful to local democracy - it’s a betrayal of the values of fairness and humanity that Scotland holds dear.”
“The Highlands is a welcoming region but placing hundreds of people in transitional accommodation with no local support structures, no community engagement, and no clarity on long-term plans is a recipe for isolation and anxiety.
She added: “It’s not fair on the asylum seekers, and it’s not fair on the local community.”
Mr Burgess voiced concern about the lack of transparency and accountability from the Home Office, saying: “The refusal to engage meaningfully with Highland Council and the failure to respond to requests for information shows a worrying disregard for local governance.
“This top-down approach undermines trust and risks stoking division.”
She called on the Scottish Government to press the UK Government for urgent answers and to ensure that any asylum accommodation in Scotland is delivered with dignity, transparency, and community involvement.
She said: “Scotland must have the power to shape a migration system that reflects our values – one that treats people with respect, supports integration, and works in partnership with local communities.
“The current system is broken, and this latest decision is proof of that.”