Current status: Answered by Kaukab Stewart on 23 September 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a protest exclusion zone around properties where asylum seekers are living either temporarily or permanently, in light of the reported increase in violence and intimidation surrounding such sites.
I can confirm there are currently no plans to implement protest exclusion zones around asylum accommodation.
People have the right of peaceful protest in a democracy, but that must be balanced with safety. The Scottish Government is deeply concerned about some activity targeting asylum accommodation and individuals which creates a sense of real fear and alarm. The Scottish Government strongly believes that everyone has the right to be and feel safe and secure in the place they are living and in the community. No one should have to fear they will be targeted for who they are.
It may be helpful to note that the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee considered a petition calling for buffer zones to be introduced in September 2023. Petition PE2049 was closed on 9 October 2024. Consideration and evidence submitted to the Committee is available on the Scottish Parliament website: PE2049 Introduce buffer zones outside migrant accommodation | Scottish Parliament Website.