12 May 2009

Commenting on the news a pilot project to reduce the need for the detention and forced return of refused asylum seeker families in Glasgow is to start at the beginning of June, the Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy said:

"I think everyone across Scotland agrees if there is a better way to treat families seeking asylum, we should look at those possibilities. The interests of children, regardless of their immigration status, has got to be the first priority and I hope the pilot will be successful in establishing a secure alternative to housing families in Dungavel.

"This is a better way of doing things. If it is a success it may be repeated in other parts of the UK.
 

"I know there has been a lot of work behind the scenes on the alternative to detention pilot in Glasgow and I am glad to see it becoming a reality today. I have been kept up to date on the progress of the project since becoming Secretary of State. This is a good example of the British government, the Scottish government and Glasgow City Council working together".