27/11/2025
Until the colour of a man's skin bears no more significance than the colour of his eyes... Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior... and until human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race... ❤️
Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.
Take heed.
There is a growing belief that the former Lochbank care home will become a home for people seeking asylum. We have no indication that this is the case as the planning request is simply for change of use to a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and this is the only information we currently have.
However, we would like to share the following information to reassure residents with some facts around asylum seekers and refugees.
1. “Asylum seekers are illegal immigrants.” Seeking asylum is not illegal and this includes any person seeking sanctuary who may arrive in a small boat. Seeking asylum is a legal right under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
2. “They’re just here to claim benefits.” Asylum seekers cannot access normal benefits. They receive only minimal support (about £7 a day), and usually cannot work, though many want to do so.
3. “We need to protect our women and children from asylum seekers.” There is NO evidence that asylum seekers are more likely to commit crimes than the general population. People seeking sanctuary are often fleeing from violence and are simply seeking the same protection and safety we want for our own families.
4. “Most asylum claims are fake.” Almost half of claims are granted at the first stage, and many appeals are successful, showing the system recognises genuine cases.
5. “Asylum seekers are a burden.” Refugees contribute skills, resilience, and cultural diversity. Once allowed to work, they support local economies and communities.
6. “They should just apply from abroad.” Safe legal routes are extremely limited. International law only allows people to apply for asylum once they reach the UK.
7. “They’re all young men.” Women, children, and families also seek asylum. Young men often travel first because the journey is too dangerous for vulnerable family members.
8. “They get housing ahead of locals.” Asylum seekers cannot choose where they live. They are housed in temporary accommodation provided by the UK Government and do not take priority over council housing lists.
9. “They must stay in the first safe country.” International law does not require this. Many seek safety in the UK because of family, language, or community connections.
10. "The UK takes in more asylum seekers than anyone else.” The UK receives fewer asylum seekers than many countries, including Germany and France.
You will have seen these claims are frequently repeated, but they don’t stand up to the facts. We want to set the record straight with accurate information because the truth is that people seeking sanctuary are people fleeing poverty, war and persecution.
