Scottish Greens are to force a vote at the Scottish Parliament on restoring a commitment to introduce free bus travel for asylum seekers in Scotland.
The policy was part of the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and Greens which saw Patrick Harvie’s party become part of the Scottish Government in 2023,
However, it was dropped by John Swinney in August this year and is no longer part of the government’s agenda.
The Greens plan to use an opposition debate led by equalities spokesperson Maggie Chapman and transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell, on Wednesday to hold a vote on bringing back the commitment to introduce free bus.
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.
“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.”
He added that free bus travel would be a “small and compassionate” change which would make a “big difference” to the lives of people seeking sanctuary in Scotland.
READ MORE:
- Patrick Harvie announces £2m of free bus travel for asylum seekers
- Steven Camley on ... free buses for asylum seekers
- Free bus travel for asylum seekers in Scotland 'from next year'
The Transport Spokesman said: “There has been a long-standing cross-party support for this change, and I hope that MSPs from all parties will come together this week in calling for it to be restored.”
“The Scottish Government has said that it can’t afford to deliver the scheme that it promised, but the cost would be a tiny fraction of its budget and would go a long way to reflecting the welcoming and compassionate country that we want to be.
“When people have been forced to escape from war, persecution and suffering, Scotland should step up, offer solidarity, and help people rebuild their lives here.”
He added: “It is not too late for the Scottish Government to think again, and to make good on the promises that it made."
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