The Scottish minister for Europe and external affairs has written to Westminster calling for action to be taken on the Mediterranean refugee crisis.
Thousands have died trying to cross the sea from Libya to Italy to escape fighting in the Middle East.
Fiona Hyslop's offered Holyrood's support where necessary, saying we have the resources to accept our share of stricken migrants. She also says the Scottish and UK government must work with European partners to reach agreement on resettlement
Ms Hyslop reiterated the Scottish Government’s commitment to offer any support it can to address this desperate situation in her letter to James Brokenshire after his reappointment AND stressed the need for the UK and Scottish Governments to work with EU partners to reach agreement on refugee resettlement. She also drew Mr Brokenshire’s attention to the cross-party support for search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean expressed in a recent Scottish Parliament Member’s debate on the subject. Ms Hyslop said:
“We must not ignore the appalling toll of lives lost in the Mediterranean. The Scottish Government wants to see collective action across the EU over the lack of search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
“This is not a simple issue, but the European Union has a history of addressing complex problems and we must work together to help end the tragic loss of life. We want to see multi-lateral and collective efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in danger.
“Scotland and the UK must take our fair share of refugees and Europe must reach agreement on refugee resettlement.
“These vulnerable migrants are victims, not a threat. Recognition of the right to life demands a humanitarian response respecting the rights of those fleeing war. We must take action and the Scottish Government once again offers its support to the UK Government to address this desperate situation.”
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