Government pledges screening of Glasgow refugees

The Scottish Government has said refugees set to arrive in Glasgow from Syria will have been thoroughly screened to ensure they do not pose a terrorist threat.

The Scottish Government has promised a thorough screening of Syrian refugees set to arrive in Glasgow. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

The first charter flight bringing people fleeing the war-torn Middle East state to the UK is expected to arrive in Glasgow tomorrow.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the Home Office who have robust and thorough screening processes in place for refugees arriving in the UK. The Syrian refugees being resettled in Scotland are some of the most vulnerable refugees and are coming directly from the region. They are screened and considered by the Home Office before their arrival.

“Police Scotland has issued guidance and advice following the attacks in Paris and has highlighted that while the overall threat level in the UK is severe, people in Scotland remain safe to go about their day to day business. Police Scotland is advising people to be alert but not alarmed and to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.”

Home Secretary Theresa May also sought to reassure the public that there were robust screening measures in place. “We have processes in place. We are working with UNHCR - UNHCR take biometrics, they look at documents, they interview people, they do their own process of screening against issues like war crimes and serious criminality. Then there is a further check that is done once people are referred to the UK. The Home Office then undertakes further checks.”