The report on the Coalition Government's intention to force asylum seekers to travel to Liverpool to appeal their case makes disturbing reading.
It is another plank in the move from a liberal society with decent values. "Getting tough on immigration" may commend this Government to Ukip-leaning voters and has a populist appeal that Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and scapegoating of minorities always have when economic situations are tough. We have plenty of examples of this from dominant groups of all faiths and ideologies and of course we saw the Home Office's attempt to frighten refugees last year into leaving Britain by the disgraceful poster campaign in London and Glasgow.
This latest "regulation" is an antiseptically publicised persecution warrant for many who will be forced to return to danger or worse in the countries from where they fled. Few will be able to afford to travel to Liverpool and so they will be time-limited out and deported. This kind of impossible deadline was presented to the leaders of vulnerable people in the Highlands in the 1690s and used by the then British government to excuse the murders in Glencoe. We are of course far more "civilised" now. But it's the same tactic to achieve a solution of removing inconvenient people.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam all carry in their basic texts an injunction to give hospitality to the stranger seeking asylum. All of us, of all faiths and none, must protest this proposed shameful treatment of those who seek refuge in our land.
Rev Dr Iain Whyte
North Queensferry
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