Political leaders from Perth and Kinross Council have issued a joint statement asking locals to “look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation “about asylum seekers.
The group say they are standing “united in reaffirming our status as council of sanctuary”.
Protesters in Perth, Falkirk, Aberdeen and Peterhead have all taken place outside hotels housing asylum seekers in recent weeks with another due to be held in Perth this Saturday advertised on The Great British National Protest page.
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The joint statement issued on behalf of: councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council and SNP group leader; provost Xander McDade, provost of Perth and Kinross, Independent; councillor John Duff, conservative group leader; councillor Peter Barrett, liberal democrats group leader; bailie Alasdair Bailey, Labour group leader.
“As the political leaders of Perth and Kinross Council we stand united in reaffirming our status as a Council of Sanctuary. Something which builds on the long tradition of our communities welcoming people seeking safety.” the statement reads.
“For generations the people of Perth and Kinross have willingly opened their doors to those forced to flee conflict and persecution – from Belgian refugees during the First World War, to those who helped British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and more recently welcoming refugees from Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. This is part of our history and who we are.
“We defend the right to peaceful protest, but protests targeted at those who in many cases have lost their homes and family members to war, does not reflect the compassion, solidarity and fairness our communities are known for. That is why we are asking all residents to look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation and treat those seeking refuge in our area the same way they would hope to be treated.”
Perth Against Racism is hosting a counter-demonstration to begin at 10am at the Radisson Hotel, while far-right protesters will gather.
In a statement, Stand Up to Racism (STUR) Scotland — who is supporting local campaigners — said that “it is critical that we gather in numbers to say refugees welcome”.
One organiser in Perth told The National: “What we’re really keen to reiterate is Perth is a city of sanctuary. We have City of Sanctuary status, which means anyone that’s coming into our city should be treated with warmth, respect, understanding and empathy about what they’ve been through.
“And we’re proud of that.”
