McConnell criticises Whitehall over asylum cases
First Minister condemns use of handcuffs in asylum family cases
Jack McConnell has for the first time criticised the Home Office for its dawn raids on asylum seekers in Scotland.
The First Minister is reported in the Herald today as having told UK ministers that the use of handcuffs and body armour to detain those whose applications for asylum have failed is insensitive and excessive. He wants Whitehall to agree to restrictions on detention where Scottish schools and social services are helping provide care for the children involved.
The First Minister's criticism comes in the wake of strong political pressure over some well publicised cases of detention and deportation, as well as local support for asylum seeker families who integrate with schools and communities. Recently the Children's Commissioner Kathleen Marshall condemned the human rights implications of the practices followed by Home Office.
A Home Office spokesman said it would carefully consider the Executive's concerns, but it would take a "robust approach" to removing people who had no legal right to be here. He added that the use of handcuffs was only done after a thorough risk assessment.
Current News05.09.08 PM changes tack on tax-raising powersAllowing Scottish Parliament more accountability would strengthen the UK, says Brown 05.09.08 Summary justice reform success, claims AngioliniLord Advocate's letter says figures to date indicate new system working 04.09.08 Advocates in Aberdeen launch new websiteInternet presence aimed at increasing awareness of Society of Advocates in the north east 04.09.08 Legal profession, local income tax top bill listScottish Government unveils legislative programme for 2008-09 04.09.08 Step up to associate for Fife lawyerSue Arrowsmith promoted at Murray Donald Drummond Cook LLP 04.09.08 Prosecution inspectorate publishes annual reportReview pending of new fiscal fine system 03.09.08 Society welcomes Legal Profession BillHopes that bill will provide for alternative business structures for law firms 03.09.08 'No proof that plaques harmful': insurance lawyersIndustry's legal team argue against proposed law extending compensation 03.09.08 Commissioner orders release of tender informationCouncil not justified in claim that Street Outreach documents must be kept secret 02.09.08 Stamp duty break for lower value properties12-month threshold of £175,000 among government moves to buck up housing market 01.09.08 Government publishes sentencing proposalsJudges and sheriffs would need to reveal reasons for departing from guidelines 01.09.08 Revenue reminds of new tax return date31 October now deadline for paper returns 01.09.08 Blackadders' review results in 44 job lossesTwo branches also close as firm consolidates to combat property market troubles 01.09.08 Area procurator fiscal appointment for CentralMichelle Macleod takes on new role 01.09.08 Partner catch for Ledingham ChalmersNeil Anderson appointed, while Marysia Lewis takes up floating sheriff appointment |