CAMPAIGNERS have warned that mass protests are possible to protect at-risk asylum seekers as legal representatives prepare for a possible battle at the UK Supreme Court.
Representatives from Govan Law Centre have said they will now discuss with their client whether they want to escalate the case to the country’s highest court as the legal battle continues to defend this vulnerable community in Glasgow.
Following the verdict on Wednesday, there is now a 28-day period in which to appeal the verdict again, this time above the Court of Session.
Mike Dailly, solicitor advocate at Govan Law Centre, said: “We are going to study the court’s opinion very carefully and we are going to take our client’s instructions with the view to seeking permission to appeal to the supreme court. There is a 28 day period in which to do that.
“The effect of this decision is ultimately incredibly regressive, incredibly disturbing, and I think we have the potential to have a humanitarian crisis in this city. We are going to take our client’s instructions to take this to the UK Supreme Court, that is what we are seeking to do.”
Meanwhile, those on the frontline defending asylum seekers have called on Glasgow’s local authority to step in and provide support for those who could be made homeless on their streets.
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In a statement, the No Evictions Network called for swift action from Glasgow City Council.
The group added: “This is not the spirit of Glasgow that we want to be sent out to the rest of the world. We will now look to Glasgow City Council to provide immediate and dignified accommodation to those facing street homelessness in the midst of this crisis.
“We are ashamed that Glasgow will play host to such flagrant disregard of basic human rights. This is not the spirit of Glasgow that we want to be sent out to the rest of the world.
“We are calling on people in our network and beyond to prepare for mass protests and civil
disobedience in support of our neighbours, friends and families who will be punished by the
brutal actions of Serco and the Home Office.”
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Despite this, representatives at Glasgow City Council have said their “hands are tied” in what they can do, instead asking for Home Office immigration powers to be devolved.
Councillor Jen Layden said the decision put vulnerable people at risk, and that the city administration wanted to see an overhaul of UK immigration law.
When asked whether they would provide accommodation to those made homeless as a result of lock-changes, the SNP politician said each case would be looked at on an individual basis, but could not guarantee that shelter would be provided.
New contract provider Mears, which took over from Serco, has agreed to improve the support for asylum seekers, help prevent destitution and replace lock-change evictions with a proper court process.
The Home Office did not provide comment when contacted by the Evening Times.
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