In a powerful display of cross-party unity, Perth and Kinross Council’s leading political figures have issued a resounding call for residents to reject the spread of ‘misinformation’ concerning asylum seekers. This collective statement comes at a crucial time, preceding anticipated public demonstrations in the city this weekend, highlighting deep concerns about how divisive narratives might impact community relations.
The five influential leaders – Council leader Grant Laing of the SNP, Provost Xander McDade (Independent), Conservative group leader Councillor John Duff, Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Peter Barrett, and Labour group leader Bailie Alasdair Bailey – collectively emphasised Perth and Kinross’s proud and long-standing designation as a ‘council of sanctuary.’ This status is not merely symbolic; it represents a profound commitment rooted in generations of local history, where compassion and support have been extended to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Indeed, the region boasts a rich legacy of welcoming vulnerable individuals and families, dating back to the arrival of Belgian refugees during the First World War. More recently, Perthshire has opened its doors to those who assisted British Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and offered refuge to people displaced by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. This tradition underscores a core value of the community: providing a safe haven for those in desperate need, enriching the social fabric of places like Perth, Crieff, and Kinross. Community Tensions Rise Ahead of Weekend Demonstrations
The impending weekend will see a planned protest outside the Radisson Hotel in Perth, marking the second such event in as many weeks. In anticipation, the Perth Against Racism group has organised a counter-demonstration, indicating the depth of feeling and contrasting viewpoints within the community. These events underscore the urgency of the council leaders’ plea for clarity and empathy, aiming to foster understanding rather than division in the heart of Perth.
Adding his voice to the appeal for understanding, Perth and Kinross-shire SNP MP Pete Wishart delivered a sharp critique of the planned protest. He reminded the public of the city’s inherent warmth and welcoming spirit, stating: “Perth is a welcoming and accommodating small city which has always enjoyed good community relations. We do not want anything to happen that will compromise that reputation. I think people forget that the people in that hotel have travelled thousands of miles to escape violent conflict and horrific oppression. The last thing they need is to be frightened by people angrily waving placards telling them to go home.” Dispelling Falsehoods: The Council’s Proactive Approach
In a proactive move to address public concerns and dispel groundless rumours, the local authority recently published a comprehensive, 1,400-word clarification. This detailed response addressed numerous queries raised through public information requests regarding asylum seekers, aiming to provide transparency and accurate data. It notably refuted recent speculation suggesting Perth might accommodate an additional 250 individuals, confirming that only 191 asylum seekers are currently residing in two hotels across the city. This figure contrasts sharply with the inflated numbers circulating in some narratives, providing a factual basis for public discourse.
The earlier protest on August 9 saw organisers like Lee Stronach making strong assertions, claiming that “Perth is no longer safe” and that the UK was “being overrun with illegal, undocumented immigrants,” further insisting the demonstration was “nothing about racism at all.” Such rhetoric, however, stands in stark opposition to the united message from the council leadership. Their joint statement directly challenged these divisive narratives, urging residents to consider the human element of the situation. A Call for Compassion and Solidarity
The collective statement from the council leaders firmly articulated their position: “As the political leaders of Perth and Kinross Council we stand united in reaffirming our status as a council of sanctuary. Something which builds on the long tradition of our communities welcoming people seeking safety. For generations, the people of Perth and Kinross have willingly opened their doors to those forced to flee conflict and persecution – from Belgian refugees during the First World War, to those who helped British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and, more recently, welcoming refugees from Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. We defend the right to peaceful protest, but protests targeted at those who in many cases have lost their homes and family members to war, does not reflect the compassion, solidarity and fairness our communities are known for. That is why we are asking all residents to look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation and treat those seeking refuge in our area the same way they would hope to be treated.” This powerful appeal underscores a commitment to upholding Perth’s reputation as a compassionate and inclusive community, urging its citizens to engage with empathy and reject unfounded claims that seek to sow discord. The leaders hope that by providing clear information and advocating for understanding, the community can navigate these tensions with a renewed sense of civic responsibility and human kindness, especially in prominent locations like Leonard Street where the Radisson Hotel is situated. ” , “positive_prompt”: “Photo-realistic image of diverse community leaders from Perth and Kinross, including men and women of various ages and backgrounds, standing united and resolute in front of a subtly visible Perth landmark. They are looking forward with expressions of hope and determination, symbolising unity, compassion, and a welcoming spirit towards refugees and asylum seekers. The scene is set on a clear, optimistic day. Focus on positive community values and solidarity.
The five influential leaders – Council leader Grant Laing of the SNP, Provost Xander McDade (Independent), Conservative group leader Councillor John Duff, Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Peter Barrett, and Labour group leader Bailie Alasdair Bailey – collectively emphasised Perth and Kinross’s proud and long-standing designation as a ‘council of sanctuary.’ This status is not merely symbolic; it represents a profound commitment rooted in generations of local history, where compassion and support have been extended to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Indeed, the region boasts a rich legacy of welcoming vulnerable individuals and families, dating back to the arrival of Belgian refugees during the First World War. More recently, Perthshire has opened its doors to those who assisted British Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and offered refuge to people displaced by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. This tradition underscores a core value of the community: providing a safe haven for those in desperate need, enriching the social fabric of places like Perth, Crieff, and Kinross. Community Tensions Rise Ahead of Weekend Demonstrations
The impending weekend will see a planned protest outside the Radisson Hotel in Perth, marking the second such event in as many weeks. In anticipation, the Perth Against Racism group has organised a counter-demonstration, indicating the depth of feeling and contrasting viewpoints within the community. These events underscore the urgency of the council leaders’ plea for clarity and empathy, aiming to foster understanding rather than division in the heart of Perth.
Adding his voice to the appeal for understanding, Perth and Kinross-shire SNP MP Pete Wishart delivered a sharp critique of the planned protest. He reminded the public of the city’s inherent warmth and welcoming spirit, stating: “Perth is a welcoming and accommodating small city which has always enjoyed good community relations. We do not want anything to happen that will compromise that reputation. I think people forget that the people in that hotel have travelled thousands of miles to escape violent conflict and horrific oppression. The last thing they need is to be frightened by people angrily waving placards telling them to go home.” Dispelling Falsehoods: The Council’s Proactive Approach
In a proactive move to address public concerns and dispel groundless rumours, the local authority recently published a comprehensive, 1,400-word clarification. This detailed response addressed numerous queries raised through public information requests regarding asylum seekers, aiming to provide transparency and accurate data. It notably refuted recent speculation suggesting Perth might accommodate an additional 250 individuals, confirming that only 191 asylum seekers are currently residing in two hotels across the city. This figure contrasts sharply with the inflated numbers circulating in some narratives, providing a factual basis for public discourse.
The earlier protest on August 9 saw organisers like Lee Stronach making strong assertions, claiming that “Perth is no longer safe” and that the UK was “being overrun with illegal, undocumented immigrants,” further insisting the demonstration was “nothing about racism at all.” Such rhetoric, however, stands in stark opposition to the united message from the council leadership. Their joint statement directly challenged these divisive narratives, urging residents to consider the human element of the situation. A Call for Compassion and Solidarity
The collective statement from the council leaders firmly articulated their position: “As the political leaders of Perth and Kinross Council we stand united in reaffirming our status as a council of sanctuary. Something which builds on the long tradition of our communities welcoming people seeking safety. For generations, the people of Perth and Kinross have willingly opened their doors to those forced to flee conflict and persecution – from Belgian refugees during the First World War, to those who helped British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and, more recently, welcoming refugees from Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. We defend the right to peaceful protest, but protests targeted at those who in many cases have lost their homes and family members to war, does not reflect the compassion, solidarity and fairness our communities are known for. That is why we are asking all residents to look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation and treat those seeking refuge in our area the same way they would hope to be treated.” This powerful appeal underscores a commitment to upholding Perth’s reputation as a compassionate and inclusive community, urging its citizens to engage with empathy and reject unfounded claims that seek to sow discord. The leaders hope that by providing clear information and advocating for understanding, the community can navigate these tensions with a renewed sense of civic responsibility and human kindness, especially in prominent locations like Leonard Street where the Radisson Hotel is situated. ” , “positive_prompt”: “Photo-realistic image of diverse community leaders from Perth and Kinross, including men and women of various ages and backgrounds, standing united and resolute in front of a subtly visible Perth landmark. They are looking forward with expressions of hope and determination, symbolising unity, compassion, and a welcoming spirit towards refugees and asylum seekers. The scene is set on a clear, optimistic day. Focus on positive community values and solidarity.