Glasgow immigration issues caused by Home Office decision-making, says Swinney

The First Minister has said that the immigration issues Glasgow City Council are facing are a “product of decision-making” by the Home Office.

John Swinney’s response came as a report released in October by the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership said that the city is “400% above” the level agreed under the UK’s asylum dispersal plan.

The plan was designed to share accommodation more evenly across the country.

Mr Swinney attended an event on independence in the city on Monday where he was asked whether more money would be provided to Glasgow City Council to deal with the issue.

He said: “This is a Home Office issue. The problem that Glasgow is wrestling with – the issue is a product of decision-making by the Home Office.

“And I’ve made it clear that I very much support the steps being taken by Glasgow City Council to get better engagement from the Home Office on this question, and I think they’ve got legitimate concerns that have got to be addressed.”

The Home Office is responsible for ensuring those who are fleeing persecution are housed while their applications are being considered.

Later, Mr Swinney said that his position on migration is “crystal clear” and he believes that Scotland needs migration to “boost our working age population”.

He said: “In relation to the question of immigration, I recognise that immigration is an issue that is talked about and raised more and is part of our debate, but I think it’s important that people understand where the politicians stand on that question.

“And my position is crystal clear, we need migration into our economy to boost our working age population.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels in this country.

“This Government is spearheading a major reform to the immigration system, both removing the incentives that draw illegal migrants to Britain in the first place and making it easier to deport illegal migrants.

“We are working to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation such as military bases, to ease pressure on communities across the country. We are committed to working with Glasgow City Council and local authorities as part of this process.”