Scottish Government Debate: From a Warm Scots Welcome to a Warm Scots Future for Ukrainians in Scotland

Shirley-Anne Somerville S6M-11696 That the Parliament condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the illegal Russian war against Ukraine; reiterates its firm solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine; pays tribute to the significant contribution made by the organisations, people and communities across Scotland that have opened their hearts and their homes to support Ukrainians to settle in Scotland; welcomes the publication of A Warm Scots Future Policy Position Paper, which outlines the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to transitioning from an emergency response to Russia's illegal invasion, to a long-term, holistic and rights-based approach that supports the integration of people displaced from Ukraine, so that they have the opportunity to rebuild their lives, play active roles in communities across Scotland, and fulfil their potential in work and education, and declares unequivocally its position that all Ukrainians who have made Scotland their home are welcome for as long as they need. Miles Briggs S6M-11696.2 As an amendment to motion S6M-11696 in the name of Shirley-Anne Sommerville (From a Warm Scots Welcome to a Warm Scots Future for Ukrainians in Scotland), insert at end "; expresses concern for the situation being faced by many thousands of displaced Ukrainians and other people living in Scotland, who are currently placed into temporary accommodation; commends the work done by local support groups, which have been established to help support Ukrainians living in Scotland; welcomes the establishment of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Ukraine, and further welcomes the UK Government’s unwavering support for Ukraine by issuing visas for almost 250,000 displaced Ukrainians, and by pledging to providing Ukraine with £4.6 billion in military aid, £347 million in humanitarian assistance and £100 million to support the Ukrainian economy." Paul O'Kane S6M-11696.1 As an amendment to motion S6M-11696 in the name of Shirley-Anne Somerville (From a Warm Scots Welcome to a Warm Scots Future for Ukrainians in Scotland), after "home are welcome" insert "; applauds ordinary people in Scotland who have worked tirelessly to give Ukrainians fleeing conflict a warm welcome in their own homes; notes with concern that Ukrainians are four times more likely to find themselves facing homelessness than the wider population, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that a workable plan is fully implemented to enact long-term strategies to allow Ukrainian refugees to access vital housing, education and healthcare".