GLASGOW’S seven SNP MPs have quit Home Office talks, saying they have “no confidence” in the department and its handling of a review into asylum seeker accommodation.

During the coronavirus pandemic asylum seekers were moved from their temporary homes into hotels.

Many of those moved suffered mental health problems, and one man took his own life. Another attacked a number of people inside one of the hotels and was shot dead by police.

The asylum seekers have complained of having inadequate food and no money at the accommodation.

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The seven MPs have urged the Home Office to launch an open investigation into the issues and share the findings with Glasgow City Council as well as the Scottish Government.

They have withdrawn their engagement with the Home Office following a meeting yesterday, saying the department would not discuss its own internal review into the matter or confirm if they could see the final report.

Chris Stephens, Alison Thewliss, Carol Monaghan, Anne McLaughlin, Stewart McDonald, Patrick Grady and David Linden said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to engage with the Home Office in good faith.

"To be blunt, we have no confidence in the UK Government to take action for asylum seekers if they won’t even properly investigate what the problems are or publish their evaluation. 

“Asylum seekers are already reporting that they feel intimidated to speak out without a representative present. Measures must be taken so they have confidence that their individual cases are not jeopardised.

“Offering piecemeal internal assessments completely misses the mark - and does a huge disservice to those who need constructive and meaningful action. The Home Office has cannot continue to dodge scrutiny on this.

“UK Government departments have a habit of hiding behind corporate language rather than taking decisive action. At the heart of this matter is people - and the Tory Government simply cannot ignore the devastating impact that this virus has had on asylum seekers in particular.

“We call on the Home Office to see sense and commit to a full, independent investigation, outline their process and to ensure their findings are shared with Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.”

A spokesperson for the Home Office said the department takes the wellbeing of those in the asylum system “extremely seriously” and added they have taken measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission during the crisis.

They went on: “We regret that these MPs have not taken the opportunity to engage with this process despite us asking to meet with them in good faith. The review has not yet concluded and we would encourage the MPs to engage constructively to help us make any necessary improvements, which we are committed to do.”