New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: Minister for Equalities

This is the speaking note used by Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities, when she addressed attendees at the launch of the third New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy and New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy Delivery Plan 2024 to 2026 on 19 August 2024.

The actual speech used by the Minister is likely to have differed to the copy of the speaking note provided to her.

Speaking note

I’m delighted to be here to celebrate Scotland’s work to support refugee integration. It’s great to see so many here. It is a reflection of the commitment to our vision for a welcoming Scotland where people can re-build their lives.

And in light of the shocking violence we have witnessed recently  across the UK, it’s so important that we think about how our New Scots strategy and delivery plan will help build inclusive and cohesive communities.

In Scotland we have been very clear that there is no place for hatred of any kind – we all have a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice wherever and whenever it appears. Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation.

This strategy and delivery plan builds on many years of experience, research and knowledge. More importantly, it is informed by lived and learned experience. This provides substance and integrity in the work we are taking forward.

As Minister for Equalities, I want to ensure that we work in a way that is inclusive of all groups and communities and  I would like to thank all of you here today who have helped shape the strategy and actions in the delivery plan.

Given the recent riots, it is more important than ever to come together and to stand in solidarity to ensure that communities are strong and cohesive. It's understandable that our communities will have felt anxious or fearful in recent weeks. No one should live in fear of being targeted for who they are or what they believe, and it is critical that everyone feels safe. 

And this is the first outcome we have in the New Scots strategy – that New Scots live in safe, welcoming, inclusive communities, where everyone’s dignity is respected and everyone is able to build diverse relationships and healthy intercultural bonds.

This approach is underlined through our collective response to the crises in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine where we have demonstrated by actions that Scotland is a welcoming country.

Today is an opportunity for us to collectively reflect on  what we have already achieved over the years. This year we are providing £3.6 million of funding for Scottish Refugee Council’s Refugee Support Service and over £400,000 of grant funding to third sector organisations.   

This will provide crucial support to New Scots all over Scotland enabling people to build their lives, and despite the severely challenging budget situation across all of the UK we will look to do all we can to maintain and enhance this support in the years ahead.

But we do have a very difficult budget challenge and you may have seen recent press coverage of emergency spending controls that have been put in place in order to deliver a balanced budget.

We are having to make very difficult decisions to deliver balanced and sustainable spending plans for the 2024-25 financial year.

As a result I am very sorry to let you know it is now unaffordable to progress piloting free bus travel for all people seeking asylum in Scotland.

This is not something we had a choice over and it is not something I would have chosen, it is what we have to do as a result of significant budget constraints across the whole UK.

We remain committed to supporting New Scots through the  strategy and we will continue to work collaboratively with partners to progress the excellent work that is set out in the delivery plan.

This will include ensuring New Scots who continue to be entitled to free bus travel receive this, all those who are under 22 or over 60 or those with a disability.

We will also continue to work with all of you and your communities to help address the challenges people face.

I know this news is deeply disappointing, I am not going to diminish that as I am deeply disappointed myself at the decisions we have had to take. But my commitment to you is that I will do all I can in future years and will work closely with my Ministerial colleagues to see what additional support is possible to meet the priorities you have told us must be addressed.

Despite this news, for the first time we do have a delivery plan that implements the vision and outcomes contained in a highly-respected strategy, and this gives us a solid base from which we can continuously improve the difficult situations people can face.   

I hope everyone enjoys today and I look forward to working with all of you and our partners to support our New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy and Delivery Plan.

Thank you.