An SNP MSP has apologised after mistakenly backing a Reform UK call for an immigration crackdown. Deputy Presiding Officer Clare Adamson said sorry after her name appeared on a parliamentary motion calling for “local” people to be prioritised for social housing.
Background of the Motion
The mix up came after Thomas Kerr, a Reform MSP in Glasgow, supported the reintroduction of ‘local connection’ rules for housing north of the border. In Scotland, someone who is homeless can apply to any local council for temporary housing without having a connection to the area. Reform claim the scrapping of the rule has piled pressure on Glasgow by allowing homeless refugees to receive assistance in the city.
In his motion, Kerr said the priority for social housing should be people with a “clear and established local connection to the communities in which they are applying”. He also trumpeted Reform’s plan for “large-scale deportation” of people who are in the UK “illegally”.
Adamson's Clarification
Adamson, who represents the Motherwell and Wishaw seat, appeared as a surprising backer of the motion, but she wrote on X: “My support for this motion was a complete mistake. I've requested my name be withdrawn immediately. These views are not ones I share & don't reflect my values. I would never knowingly support something I believe is inhumane. Sorry for this error & for any upset or offence caused.”
The SNP supported the abolition of local connection rules in 2022 and is supportive of increasing immigration. This is a breaking news story - we'll bring you updates, pictures and video as it happens.
