The SNP has said UK humanitarian efforts must be stepped up, claiming the government is to fall “well short” of its commitment to resettle 3,000 vulnerable refugee children by 2020.
The Home Office made the pledge in April 2016, following months of pressure to help young asylum seekers risking their lives to reach safety.
But by September 2019, just 1,712 vulnerable children had been resettled across the UK.
SNP MP Stuart McDonald said that, since 2014, more than 3,200 Syrian refugees of all ages have come to live in Scotland.
The Scottish Government welcomed its 2,000th at the end of 2017 – meeting its target three years ahead of schedule.
Mr McDonald said: “Scotland has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers into our communities.
“Our society has always been enriched by welcoming those in need.
“Inclusivity and compassion should be the driving principles of our humanitarian efforts.
“Most of us cannot begin to imagine the hardship faced by those who have had their safety, freedom and way of life uprooted by conflict and violence beyond their control.”
The MP for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East has said “much more” must be done on the topic and criticised the UK government’s recent approaches to the issue.
“The ‘hostile environment’, the Windrush scandal, the ‘Go Home’ vans, inhumane lock change evictions, detention of children and pregnant women at Dungavel – these are the legacies of an uncaring and poisonous immigration agenda and failed asylum system imposed by successive callous Tory governments,” he added.
“They look set to have fallen well short of their target to resettle refugee children – the most vulnerable people imaginable.
“Scotland can and must do better. With Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands, we can build a fairer, better society with human rights and basic human kindness at its heart.”
The Home Office was approached for comment.
