Sturgeon appoints dedicated refugee minister

AN SNP minister has been handed responsibility for refugee resettlement after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she has asked UK officials to be allowed to oversee for the Ukrainian community sponsorship scheme in Scotland.

Neil Gray, already a minister for Europe And International Development for the Scottish Government, has had his role extended to cover the Snp-greens administration’s approach to supporting refugees arriving and living in Scotland.

Mr Gray, the MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, will report directly to the First Minister and may attend Cabinet meetings of the Scottish Government.

The appointment comes after Ms Sturgeon confirmed she has made a “proposition” to

Michael Gove for the Scottish Government to oversee the community sponsorship scheme for Ukrainian refugees, with plans currently being drawn up by Mr Gove.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I have had constructive discussions with him about it in the past couple of days.

“The Scottish Government has put to him and his officials a proposition that would allow us, in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), to run the scheme in Scotland so we can ensure people who come through it get the right support.”

Mr Gray said: “The Scottish Government is already bringing together key partners, like Cosla, the Scottish Refugee Council and Police Scotland, to coordinate plans and address the practical challenges of resettling Ukrainians here.

“With my additional responsibilities I will endeavour to ensure a swift, co-ordinated and focused government response to the needs of the Ukrainians who seek sanctuary in our country.”