Commenting ahead of the presentation of three reports from the Independent Asylum Commission to the Scottish Culture Minister, Robert Brown, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip said:

“The Labour Government in Westminster has failed to put in place either a sensible or a fair policy towards asylum seekers. I hope that the reports from the Independent Asylum Commission jolt them into taking action.

“Liberal Democrats have long called for an end to the incarceration of families with young children. Scotland is meant to be a civilised nation. Civilised nations do not lock up young children and families who pose no risk to the general public.

“We also believe that children and families seeking asylum who have spent years in Scotland should normally be given the right to stay in Scotland, work in Scotland and continue their education in Scotland.

“The United Kingdom is signed up to the United Nations Convention on Refugees and the Government should not continue to drag their feet on the common sense arrangements agreed in principle with the previous Scottish Executive to improve the treatment of asylum seekers.

“Furthermore, I can see absolutely no reason why most asylum seekers should not be allowed to work and support their families too. It is quite reprehensible for the Government to withdraw support for asylum seekers and also forbid them to work as part of efforts to persuade them to leave the country.”