UK must stop inhumane dawn raids

Glasgow MSP Sandra White, who has campaigned against dawn raids commented on the publication of the interim report from the Independent Asylum Commission. 

Ms White said “This review is one of the most thorough examinations of the asylum system and rightly points to dawn raids and forced removals as a key failure in the system.

“Dawn Raids are inhumane.  Families, often with young children, are being dragged from their beds in the early hours of the morning and taken to detention centres which should not be holding children.

“The effect of dawn raids on families can be devastating, causing distress and unrest for those involved.

“The SNP is opposed to dawn raids and the Scottish Government is now supporting asylum seeking families by ensuring the children of asylum seekers have the same rights as any other child in Scotland. 

“The UK Government has refused to stop dawn raids in the past.

“With this report including other criticisms of UK practice when it comes to removing asylum seekers the Labour Government has the opportunity to stop dawn raids and end the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.”