Sheridan attacks 'racist' asylum laws

Dungavel has been criticised for its asylum role

The UK Government's new asylum laws have been branded as "racist" by Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan.

The MSP, who has been an outspoken critic of the use of Dungavel, a former category C jail in Ayrshire, as an immigration detention centre, was speaking at a Glasgow demonstration.

The protest, on Wednesday, was against new rules which say refugees must claim asylum immediately on entering the country and prove a legitimate link to the UK or face losing benefits.

Asylum seekers will not be entitled to help with living costs or housing benefit if they do not follow the new rules.

Tommy Sheridan addressed the rally

The government insists the new system is fair and ensures help goes to those who need it.

But around 50 people including union officials, campaigners and members of the public braved the cold in Glasgow's St Enoch Square to voice their disapproval at the laws.

Mr Sheridan said: "This is racist legislation from a government that most of you would have expected to have been different.

"You would have expected this government to show a bit of compassion and humanity in dealing with other human beings."

The MSP also said Prime Minister Tony Blair was guilty of "hypocrisy".

He said: "Tony Blair is a Christian and he made a big play of going to mass on Christmas day.

'Jackboot'

"The message at mass would have been goodwill to all men, but where is the goodwill to asylum seekers?

"We have leaders who tell us that we should be Christians - but when it comes to those who are fleeing persecution, poverty and hunger, they use the jackboot.

"They are assuming the clothes not of the Right but of the Far Right."

Mr Sheridan also said it was time to welcome refugees and create a society based on "solidarity and human compassion".

Among the groups attending the demonstration were Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees, the Fire Brigades Union, The Graphical, Paper and Media Union and the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission Scotland.