Perth and Kinross Council has issued a resolute statement, unequivocally asserting that there is “no evidence” to substantiate claims that asylum seekers present any safety risks within the local community. The council has, instead, criticised those organising public demonstrations, suggesting their actions, fueled by unverified information, are the true instigators of potential unrest and a threat to the region’s social fabric.
This latest communication from the local authority arrives on Friday, ahead of a scheduled public gathering this Saturday outside the Radisson Hotel, a prominent landmark in the heart of Perth. This upcoming demonstration marks the second such event in two weeks, prompting considerable concern among local leaders. In direct response to the planned protest, a local advocacy group, ‘Perth Against Racism,’ has announced its intention to hold a counter-demonstration, highlighting the existing divisions and strong sentiments within the community regarding this sensitive issue.
A collective message from several councillors emphasised that individuals instigating these protests are operating “under the guise of public safety or protection with no local factual evidence.” This pointed remark highlights a perceived lack of credible, localised data supporting the anti-asylum narrative. Esteemed members of the Perth and Kinross Community Justice and Safety Partnership, including Councillor Peter Barrett, Councillor Sheila McCole, and Bailie Mike Williamson, have strongly refuted any implications that the temporary accommodation of asylum seekers in local hotels jeopardises the safety of Perth residents.
The official position is unequivocally stated: “There is no evidence that those seeking asylum, who are accommodated in Perth are, or have been, a higher risk to Community Safety in Perth and Kinross.” This declaration directly challenges the foundational arguments frequently put forth by protest organisers. The council’s statement further cautions that “the use of misinformation and misdirection risks achieving the exact opposite, creating heightened tensions and concerns.” Such tactics, according to the local government body, “only serve to undermine Community Safety, not improve it.”
The Community Justice and Safety Partnership, a collaborative entity comprising the council and various local stakeholders, is dedicated to actively monitoring and addressing community safety issues throughout Perth and Kinross. Their mandate involves proactive engagement and timely intervention to resolve concerns as they emerge within neighbourhoods across the region. Crucially, the partnership has confirmed that, “To date, there have been no such issues in relation to asylum seekers who are accommodated in Perth.”
While upholding the democratic right to peaceful assembly, the council has made it abundantly clear that they “condemn the use of misinformation and misdirection to undermine public confidence in Community Safety.” This forceful condemnation follows closely on the heels of an earlier appeal this week, when Perth city leaders publicly urged residents to dismiss “misinformation” being disseminated about asylum seekers in the area, advising them to rely on verified sources.
In a previous effort to address public concerns and quell rumours, the council had already released a comprehensive 1,400-word response to a series of Freedom of Information requests pertaining to asylum seekers. This detailed document was specifically designed to offer transparency and bring clarity to the local situation. Among the various unsubstantiated claims that were refuted, council chiefs explicitly dismissed as “false” any speculation that Perth was preparing to house an additional 250 asylum seekers. The local authority has confirmed that currently, a total of 191 asylum seekers are residing across two designated hotels within the city. This precise clarification is intended to provide accurate figures and alleviate any unfounded fears within the broader Perth community, promoting a factual understanding of the circumstances.
The collective efforts by Perth and Kinross Council and its partners underscore a deep commitment to fostering and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all residents. Their approach is firmly grounded in relying on verified facts rather than allowing unsubstantiated claims to dictate public discourse or inflame social tensions. The ongoing emphasis remains on promoting mutual understanding and resolving community issues through established official channels, rather than through potentially divisive public demonstrations that can inadvertently cause more harm than good to the fabric of local society.
This latest communication from the local authority arrives on Friday, ahead of a scheduled public gathering this Saturday outside the Radisson Hotel, a prominent landmark in the heart of Perth. This upcoming demonstration marks the second such event in two weeks, prompting considerable concern among local leaders. In direct response to the planned protest, a local advocacy group, ‘Perth Against Racism,’ has announced its intention to hold a counter-demonstration, highlighting the existing divisions and strong sentiments within the community regarding this sensitive issue.
A collective message from several councillors emphasised that individuals instigating these protests are operating “under the guise of public safety or protection with no local factual evidence.” This pointed remark highlights a perceived lack of credible, localised data supporting the anti-asylum narrative. Esteemed members of the Perth and Kinross Community Justice and Safety Partnership, including Councillor Peter Barrett, Councillor Sheila McCole, and Bailie Mike Williamson, have strongly refuted any implications that the temporary accommodation of asylum seekers in local hotels jeopardises the safety of Perth residents.
The official position is unequivocally stated: “There is no evidence that those seeking asylum, who are accommodated in Perth are, or have been, a higher risk to Community Safety in Perth and Kinross.” This declaration directly challenges the foundational arguments frequently put forth by protest organisers. The council’s statement further cautions that “the use of misinformation and misdirection risks achieving the exact opposite, creating heightened tensions and concerns.” Such tactics, according to the local government body, “only serve to undermine Community Safety, not improve it.”
The Community Justice and Safety Partnership, a collaborative entity comprising the council and various local stakeholders, is dedicated to actively monitoring and addressing community safety issues throughout Perth and Kinross. Their mandate involves proactive engagement and timely intervention to resolve concerns as they emerge within neighbourhoods across the region. Crucially, the partnership has confirmed that, “To date, there have been no such issues in relation to asylum seekers who are accommodated in Perth.”
While upholding the democratic right to peaceful assembly, the council has made it abundantly clear that they “condemn the use of misinformation and misdirection to undermine public confidence in Community Safety.” This forceful condemnation follows closely on the heels of an earlier appeal this week, when Perth city leaders publicly urged residents to dismiss “misinformation” being disseminated about asylum seekers in the area, advising them to rely on verified sources.
In a previous effort to address public concerns and quell rumours, the council had already released a comprehensive 1,400-word response to a series of Freedom of Information requests pertaining to asylum seekers. This detailed document was specifically designed to offer transparency and bring clarity to the local situation. Among the various unsubstantiated claims that were refuted, council chiefs explicitly dismissed as “false” any speculation that Perth was preparing to house an additional 250 asylum seekers. The local authority has confirmed that currently, a total of 191 asylum seekers are residing across two designated hotels within the city. This precise clarification is intended to provide accurate figures and alleviate any unfounded fears within the broader Perth community, promoting a factual understanding of the circumstances.
The collective efforts by Perth and Kinross Council and its partners underscore a deep commitment to fostering and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all residents. Their approach is firmly grounded in relying on verified facts rather than allowing unsubstantiated claims to dictate public discourse or inflame social tensions. The ongoing emphasis remains on promoting mutual understanding and resolving community issues through established official channels, rather than through potentially divisive public demonstrations that can inadvertently cause more harm than good to the fabric of local society.