Scottish Government showing 'contempt for transparency' over University issues, claim Scottish Labour

Scottish Labour have accused the Scottish Government of a “lack of accountability” over its handling of universities and students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The University of Edinburgh is home to thousands of students.

Iain Gray, the party’s education spokesperson, also labelled the Scottish Government as having showed “contempt” towards openness and transparency after officials refused to release correspondence between the Scottish Government and Universities Scotland.

Scottish Labour had asked the Scottish Government to release “all written correspondence” between the two organisations on preparations for universities to reopen, for students to have some in-person teaching, and on students moving into term-time accommodation.

The freedom of information request was refused on the basis of it costing too much.

In response, Mr Gray said that students need clarity around the likely scenario at Christmas and whether they will be able to go home.

He said: “This response shows the lack of accountability we have come to expect from the Scottish Government over its handling of the pandemic.

“Officials’ refusal to disclose this vital information displays the same level of contempt for openness and transparency they showed to students when they gave students the go-ahead to return to campuses across the country this summer.

“We need more clarity on this matter. The week before last John Swinney said it was a “priority” to make sure students go home for Christmas but on Good Morning Scotland last Monday he said that Christmas on campus was a “realistic possibility”: which is it to be?

“Students need to know now whether they can go home, if they should return to universities after Christmas and what testing will be available to them.”

He also criticised the Scottish Government for “fobbing off legitimate enquiries” around students and Covid-19.

Mr Gray said: “Fobbing off legitimate enquiries and kicking them into the long grass is not good enough when families have to begin preparations around restrictions and complex tier systems.

“Scottish Labour is calling for a for a statement from the Scottish Government on students and Christmas as a matter of urgency – will they reunite with loved ones or endure a Christmas on campus?”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We want students to have the option to return home safely at Christmas. The Scottish Government is currently working with stakeholders on the best approach and will make an announcement in due course.”