SNP 2017

MANIFESTO 2017
Championing LGBTI rights globally
SNP MPs will support the establishment of a special envoy
to promote the rights of LGBTI people throughout the world,
as an integral part of UK foreign policy - helping to alleviate
the discrimination and persecution faced by LGBTI people in
Chechnya and across the world.
Meeting our humanitarian and moral obligations
We believe that the UK government has a responsibility –
through action and leadership – to tackle global issues such
as extreme poverty, the impact of climate change, the plight
of refugees fleeing war and repression and the humanitarian
impact of disasters and emergencies.
The UK government’s response to the refugee and migration
crisis has fallen far short of their humanitarian and moral duty.
The decision to close the Dubs Scheme for unaccompanied
children – putting them at risk of exploitation – is shameful.
SNP MPs will back an immediate reversal to ensure safe
and legal routes are open. In addition, the Dublin Regulation
process needs to be simplified, reformed, and properly
implemented so that those with family in the UK can be more
easily reunited with them.
taking up work – as most EU countries allow. We will continue
to oppose the continued cuts to support that have led to
asylum seekers becoming destitute.
We need to fundamentally change the UK government’s
system for housing asylum seekers. The disgraceful condition
of the housing provided and the contracts the UK government
has with providers have been roundly criticised by all parties.
The Scottish Government’s work to resettle Syrian refugees
has shown how people can be supported and welcomed
into communities and should be used as basis for settling
asylum seekers in the future. We will urge the UK government
to work with the devolved administrations, local authorities
and local communities to provide services for asylum seekers
rather than use private contractors who have profit rather than
people as their prime motive.
There needs to be reform to the detention and asylum system
for LGBTI individuals escaping countries where homosexuality
is still criminalised, removing unfair and invasive demands for
‘proof’ of sexuality or gender identity.
SNP MPs will urge the UK government to take action on
the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group
on Refugees including implementing a National Refugee
Integration Strategy that ensures all agencies coordinate
support for refugees and helps refugees take part in, and
contribute to, our society.
There has been a worrying trend in the rhetoric coming from
the current UK government as it relates to those seeking
protection. The SNP will always defend the system of
international protection of refugees that provides a place
of safety for those facing serious harm or persecution. We
need to ensure that the system of assessing asylum claims is
thorough and fair and treats all passing through it with dignity.
Those who have waited six months for an asylum decision
should be able to use their skills and to support themselves by
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY MANIFESTO 2017 47