Church of Scotland calls on ScotGov to commit to free bus travel for asylum seekers

The news comes as the Scottish Greens get ready to force a vote through in the Scottish Parliament to get the SNP to restore the commitment. The policy was part of the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and Greens, which was dropped by John Swinney in August this year.

Asylum seekers are forbidden to work while waiting for their claims to be heard by the UK Home Office and forced to survive on as little as £8.50 a week.

A day ticket for bus travel can cost £5.60.

Now the co-ordinator of SFAR, Rowan Moodie, says the scheme will help make Scotland a more welcoming nation and provide people fleeing persecution “the opportunity to thrive and contribute” to community life.

She said: “We are calling on MSPs to support a motion calling for free bus travel for people seeking asylum.

“This life-changing policy would have a hugely positive impact on some of the most marginalised people in our society.

“People seeking asylum can be living on as little as £8.50 per week.

“When a bus day ticket in Glasgow costs £5.60, this makes transport almost completely unaffordable.

“This forces people to choose between travel and other basics such as food.

“If people could travel for free it would allow them to attend important appointments, access new opportunities, and stay connected with their faith community.

“The Church of Scotland, along with partners in other faith communities, have been calling for this policy now for over a year.

“It was with great disappointment that we received the news that the Scottish Government had cancelled a planned national pilot.

“It was a huge blow to people who are often marginalised and were already feeling vulnerable after the terrible far-right riots that occurred this summer.

“This week there is a chance to change that.

“We are calling on MSPs to recommit to free bus travel for all people seeking asylum.

“We believe this will help make Scotland a more welcoming nation, where everyone who comes seeking sanctuary has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.”

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The vote is set to take place in Scottish Parliament on Wednesday with the Greens planning to use an opposition debate, led by equalities spokesperson Maggie Chapman and transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell, to bring it forward

This will be the first time MSPs have a chance to vote on the proposal, which is backed by by refugee-rights organisations and underwent a pilot programme in Glasgow.   

Mr Ruskell said: “The decision to drop this pledge was shameful, and deeply disappointing. As a country, we have a moral responsibility to support and protect people who seek safety here. 

“The Scottish Government has chosen to break a promise to some of the most marginalised people in our society. 

“The UK’s asylum system leaves people seeking asylum in state-sanctioned poverty – forced to survive on barely £50 a week and banned from working whilst waiting for a decision on their application for protection.”