Inadequate English language classes deny them the right to socialise or use their skills. Groups such as Oxfam, Amnesty International and the United Nations have criticised Britain s appalling treatment of asylum seekers. Meanwhile the government, and the gutter press fuel the flames of racism. This isn t just crude prejudice on the part of the politicians and the media. They understand all too well that if they can whip up indignation over refugees receiving welfare benefits, the climate then becomes more favourable to carry out a more general onslaught against benefit claimants.
Racism is a tool of big business and of the unelected elites who run our society.
It suits those at the top to see working class people, who are scrambling to get the crumbs from the table of the rich, attacking asylum seekers because they have a second-hand GAP jumper and a washing machine. The Scottish Socialist Party isn t happy to settle for the crumbs from the table. Nor do we accept Labour s pleas that there just isn t enough to go round, or that the county is full up. We have to stand united. That means fighting for decent jobs and decent housing for everyone in Scotland, whatever their ethnic origins.