Hannah Brown

A Glasgow MP warned that hotels housing asylum seekers have become focal points for right‑wing intimidation amid a rise in anti‑immigration protests in the city. The Home Secretary stated that the government remains on track to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of the parliamentary term and emphasised that protest rights do not extend to intimidating vulnerable families. Recent demonstrations in several Glasgow neighbourhoods were fuelled by misinformation, prompting arrests and repeated warnings from Police Scotland about the risks posed by false claims. Political leaders and authorities face growing pressure as further protests are anticipated later in the month.

A legal opinion commissioned by Wings Over Scotland argues that donors to the SNP’s 2017 and 2019 independence referendum fundraising appeals may be entitled to reclaim their money with significant interest, alleging a fraudulent breach of trust after John Swinney confirmed the funds were used for general party activities instead of a future referendum. Roddy Dunlop KC contends the donations constituted a trust that was improperly diverted, making a civil claim against the SNP strongly arguable. Activists including Sean Clerkin are urging donors to join a group civil action, while the SNP maintains the matter was fully explored during the police investigation, which uncovered Peter Murrell’s separate embezzlement case, and says refunds remain available to donors who request them.