Statement on Serco evictions in Glasgow

Commenting on the news that hundreds of asylum seekers in Glasgow face eviction from their homes, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, made the following statement.

"Shelter Scotland condemns the decision by Serco to force from their homes individuals and families that have arrived in the city seeking asylum. Homelessness is a damaging and horrific experience for anyone to face and it is something that should never be wilfully forced on our fellow human beings, particularly those that have come to Scotland seeking a new life and support. This is a tragic and deplorable situation.

Shelter Scotland’s campaigns team, housing advice team and housing law teams in the city stand ready to support any and all efforts from the council and local partners to prevent this needless and destructive action. We are supporting Positive Action on Housing in their work and meeting with other agencies who have a role to play. In the meantime our urgent advice to anyone affected is to seek independent legal advice.

We call on the Home Office and Serco to immediately cease this course of action and remember that these are people’s homes and lives that are being treated with such contempt."