EMMA RODDICK INVITES CONSTITUENTS ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS TO GET INVOLVED IN THE “FAIR BEGINS HERE” CAMPAIGN

Emma Roddick has invited her constituents to get involved in the “Fair Begins Here” campaign.  

The campaign that was launched at the end of last year calls for “a fair new plan for refugees that works for everyone”.  

Numerous charities, faith groups, and public figures have since joined the campaign to urge the UK Government to pledge their commitment to the creation of a new plan that treats refugees fairly.  

Emma invited constituents to get involved in the campaign during a debate on Wednesday [10^th of January], where MSPs discussed the impact of the UK Government’s asylum policy and legislation in Scotland.  

Speaking on the campaign, Emma said: 

“I welcome the Fair Begins Here campaign and I encourage my constituents across the Highlands & Islands to get involved. 

“I know that so many people across the region want to do their bit to make a positive change for asylum seekers and refugees. Highlanders and islanders have opened their homes to those fleeing conflict and persecution, and many asylum seekers and refugees have integrated so well into our communities and had a positive impact.  

“Forcing people to share hotels and wait for unacceptable length of time to hear about their asylum application, all the while getting only £1.25 a day of support with no right to work serves nobody. People seeking asylum could be working in vital roles and integrating from the day they arrive.

“This campaign asks the UK Government to commit to a fair, compassionate, and well-managed approach where those living in Scotland would be able to integrate and engage within their local communities and take advantage of employment opportunities.  

“This would greatly benefit not only asylum seekers and refugees but also communities across the Highlands and Islands, allowing all those living here to make a positive contribution to communities and support sectors that are struggling.”

You can get more information on the Fair Begins Here campaign here.