As we know, Scotland takes a much gentler approach to refugees than the powers that be in Westminster.

The people of Scotland have proved their kindness of heart by campaigning for years for the closure of Dungavel refugee detention centre, and by welcoming refugees into our communities.

But we also know, that we in this country have no power to act in the best interests of refugees, when they are hounded, imprisoned and deported by the Home Office. Our hands are tied. All power lies in London.

But the Home Office has gone too far this time. Majid Ali, a refugee from Pakistan, was unceremoniously detained, and expelled from Scotland almost a week ago.

He was placed on a military plane - an almost unheard of practice, with most refugees deported on civilian aircraft - and then flown to Pakistan. Since his arrival, he has not been heard from - despite assurances he gave to friends that he would contact them.

Many now believe he is dead. They are not being unnecessarily fearful. One only needs to look at the daily news cycle in Pakistan to realise it is a country riven with violence, civil turmoil, and human rights abuses - from non-state actors and the state alike. Majid Ali and his family were no friends of the Pakistani government. In fact, they were outspoken critics. Nor, though, were they involved in terrorism. A number of members of his family have either been killed or disappeared for their political beliefs.

If Majid Ali was a friend of yours - what would you think? Would you be confident he was safe and well? Or would you dread in your heart that he was dead? And might you also, understandably, fear in your heart that your government sitting in Westminster might be to blame if your worst fears were realised.

We know that the hated asylum system in the UK needs reformed. It is a disgrace. It treats those in dire needs of help, friendship and support as little better than criminals and parasites.

But what we must assure - above all else - is if and when we are compelled to throw people out of this country that we only do so in the full knowledge that they will not be harmed on the return to their country of origin.

If Majid Ali has been harmed - and no-one as yet knows for sure if he is safe and well or in danger, in prison, or dead - then the UK government will have corrupted the very soul of the concept of asylum. Asylum exists to help those fleeing persecution and death. No asylum system that sends people back to their deaths can be allowed to continue. It needs torn up and reconfigured.