The UK government’s deal with Rwanda is a “cataclysmic waste of taxpayers’ money”, according to the SNP.
The agreement, which will see some people seeking refuge on British shores transferred to the east central African country while awaiting processing, has been described as an “abhorrent policy” that will “only add to the pain and suffering being felt by those fleeing their homeland”.
The SNP’s Shadow Home Secretary, Stuart McDonald MP, has called on the UK government to scrap the decision and, instead, invest the huge sums into financially supporting those facing the brunt of the Tory-made cost of living crisis.
Commenting, the SNP’s Shadow Home Secretary Stuart McDonald MP said:
“The UK government’s decision to proceed with this abhorrent policy is utterly shameful and will only add to the pain and suffering being felt by those fleeing their homeland.
“Every single person making the perilous journey across the English Channel should be treated with dignity and compassion – something this Tory government are completely devoid of.
“However, not only is this morally wrong – it is a cataclysmic waste of taxpayers’ money.
“At a time when all four nations are facing the brunt of a Tory-made cost of living crisis, it beggars belief that the UK government are willing to spend hundreds of millions, rising to billions, on an abhorrent policy that achieves nothing in return.
“Instead, Boris Johnson and his Tory government should follow Scotland’s lead and use this money to put cash into the pockets of families which, in turn, will help lift thousands of children out of poverty.
“Scotland has a strong and proud record of welcoming refugees and will continue to stand by and offer sanctuary to those who need it.
“However, for as long as we find ourselves chained to an outdated, dysfunctional Westminster system, we will continue to be associated with these hostile policies.
“Only with the full powers of independence can Scotland introduce a more compassionate asylum system for those seeking safety on these shores.”
