Rabat – Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, announced an initiative at the Scottish National Party (SNP) conference on Wednesday, that his country is ready to open its doors to Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
He also urged the UK government to establish a refugee resettlement scheme.
According to Business Today, the Scottish First Minister accused UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman of using “dog-whistle language” in recent comments that appealed to extremists.
In addition, Yousaf also expressed his determination to work even harder for Scottish independence so that immigration policy could be set in Scotland rather than by Westminster politicians.
“At the Tory conference, the UK home secretary warned about what she described as a ‘hurricane’ of migrants coming to the UK and other Western countries,” he said.
Condemning the remarks, Yousaf said that such remarks made him “shudder.”
“It makes me resolve to work even harder for independence – so that Scotland’s immigration policies are decided here in Scotland – never ever again by extremist Westminster politicians,”he added
The Scottish First Minister went on to highlight the history of Scotland and the UK welcoming refugees from various conflict-ridden regions, including Syria and Ukraine. He emphasized the need for this spirit of compassion to be extended to the people of Gaza, who have endured immense suffering amid Israel’s relentless and merciless bombing of schools and hospitals.
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“I’m calling on the UK government to take two urgent steps. Firstly, they should begin work on the creation of a refugee resettlement scheme for those in Gaza who want to and are able to leave. When they do so, Scotland is willing to be the first country in the UK to offer safety and sanctuary to those who are caught up in these terrible attacks,” Yousaf declared.
He concluded his address with an unequivocal commitment to provide medical assistance to the injured in Gaza. “Let me be clear: Scotland is ready to play her part. Our hospitals will treat the injured men, women, and children of Gaza where we can.”
Israeli attacks against Gaza and the occupied West Bank claimed the lives of at least 3.785 Palestinians, and 12,000 injured.
