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Ministers urged to u-turn on free bus travel for asylum seekers

The former First Minister Humza Yousaf confirmed the scheme last November and said £2m had been set aside to pay for it.

The commitment followed a long campaign by refugee-rights organisations and a pilot programme in Glasgow in 2023.

However, during the summer, Finance Secretary Shona Robison said spending cuts were unavoidable and ministers were ordered to “constrain all but essential” spending to help pay for public sector pay deals.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We are having to make very difficult decisions to deliver balanced and sustainable spending plans for the 2024-25 financial year.”

They highlighted that some people seeking asylum in Scotland are still be eligible for concessionary travel schemes, including those under 22 and over 60 years old, as well as those with disabilities.

The spokesperson said: “We remain committed to supporting people seeking asylum, refugees and communities through the New Scots refugee integration strategy approach.”

They added that SNP minsters wanted to work with the UK government on making “tangible improvements” for refugees and people seeking asylum.

The UK government has been asked for comment.


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