The UK Government has been urged to meet with Ukrainians residing in Scotland to gain insight into the challenges they face after fleeing the conflict in their home country. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville made the call during a meeting with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in Glasgow. Discussions between Somerville and Cooper centered on migration issues, ahead of the UK Government’s upcoming scheme to grant eligible Ukrainians an 18-month extension to stay in the UK.
While expressing support for the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, Somerville stressed the urgent need for clarity on its implementation to provide stability for displaced Ukrainian individuals. She extended an invitation for UK Government officials to engage directly with Ukrainians in Scotland and relevant supporting organisations to understand their challenges and provide necessary reassurance.
Additionally, Somerville called for collaboration between the UK Government, Scottish Government, and Glasgow City Council to address the issues faced by a significant number of refugees in the city, particularly regarding homelessness. Glasgow saw a substantial increase in homeless applications, attributed to a rise in asylum seekers and refugees seeking assistance.
Acknowledging the strain on resources and services, Somerville urged for joint efforts to tackle the housing needs of asylum seekers and refugees. She emphasized the importance of establishing a migration system that bolsters Scotland’s economy, public services, and communities, advocating for a tailored approach to migration specific to Scotland’s requirements.
The UK Government has been contacted for comment on the matter. The call for a collaborative approach to support Ukrainians in Scotland highlights the ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, underscoring the need for coordinated action at various levels of government.