Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton Urges Scottish MPs to Oppose Legislation at Westminster

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, has strongly urged Scottish MPs to reject the contentious Rwanda Bill, which is set to be debated in Westminster this week.

In a letter addressed to all 59 Scottish representatives, Foster-Fulton criticised the proposed legislation, which aims to declare Rwanda a “safe” destination for asylum seekers, despite a ruling by the Supreme Court against such a move. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is expected to spark further debates in the UK Parliament.

The Church of Scotland expressed its alarm over the government’s efforts to amend the law rather than addressing concerns about the safety and well-being of asylum seekers. Foster-Fulton stated that the UK has long been recognised as a leader in advocating for human rights globally, but the Bill risks damaging this reputation. She argued, “This Bill threatens to destroy that reputation, reducing our ability to speak with credibility on injustices and human rights abuses worldwide.”

The Moderator also highlighted the growing anxiety felt by many in Scottish churches, who fear being deported to Rwanda and left in an uncertain situation. Comparing the plight of refugees to the struggles of Jesus Christ, Foster-Fulton underscored the Church’s moral duty to advocate for a fair and compassionate system that respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin or immigration status.

“We urge you to resist this Bill,” she added. “This legislation will only lead to more detentions, more deportations, and an environment of hostility.” She called on MPs to focus on finding solutions that truly support refugees fleeing war, persecution, and violence, particularly from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia.

A spokesman for the Home Office defended the Bill, emphasising that the UK government had worked closely with the Rwandan government to address the Supreme Court’s concerns through the new Rwanda Treaty. He argued that Rwanda has a strong history of supporting refugees, having already hosted over 135,000 asylum seekers.

However, the Bill has faced strong opposition from political leaders. Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael echoed Foster-Fulton’s concerns, warning that the legislation would foster an environment of mistrust and hostility. He accused Conservative MPs of stoking anti-immigrant sentiments and argued that the policy was both ineffective and immoral.

The SNP’s home affairs spokeswoman, Alison Thewliss, condemned the Bill as “deeply callous and immoral,” pointing out that the UK government’s own briefings acknowledged Rwanda’s human rights issues. She reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to an immigration system rooted in fairness and dignity, stressing that the SNP would continue to oppose the UK’s immigration policies.

Chris Stark’s Departure Follows Criticism of Government’s Climate Policies and Targets

Chris Stark, the chief executive of the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC), has announced he will step down after six years in the role. Stark, who has been a leading advisor to the Government on environmental matters, will leave the independent body responsible for providing guidance on the UK’s climate policies.

Stark’s departure comes at a time of increasing tension between the committee and the Government. He has been vocal in his criticism of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent climate policy reversals, particularly the delay in the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the scrapping of energy efficiency requirements for homes, and the watering down of plans to phase out gas boilers. In September, Stark voiced concerns about the Government’s growing distance from its legally binding 2030 emissions targets, pointing out that the current policy approach lacked the necessary provisions to meet the legal commitments set by the Climate Change Act.

“There’s a wishful thinking that we don’t have the policy package to meet the legally binding targets,” Stark said, highlighting the Government’s failure to present an effective plan to reach its emission reduction goals. This came after the CCC issued a warning in June that the UK was not on course to meet its 2030 climate targets—a critical milestone in the nation’s journey towards net zero by 2050.

The UK Government is legally committed to reducing emissions by 68% compared to 1990 levels, a target enshrined in the Climate Change Act and endorsed by the international Paris Agreement. Stark’s resignation follows a period of unrest, which included the resignation of former net zero tsar Chris Skidmore from Parliament in protest over the Government’s decision to increase oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.

During Stark’s tenure, the CCC recommended a net zero emissions target for the UK by 2050, a policy that was later legislated by Theresa May’s government. Reflecting on his time in the role, Stark said, “It has been an honour to lead the Climate Change Committee during such a crucial time. I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done and the advice we’ve provided. The professionalism of the CCC team and the expertise of our committee members have been essential to our success. The committee is well-positioned for the next phase of its work, and I will remain one of its strongest advocates.”

Stark’s last day at the CCC will be on April 26, with James Richardson, the committee’s chief economist, set to take over as interim chief executive. The CCC has been monitoring the Government’s progress on decarbonisation since the introduction of the Climate Change Act 2008.

Peter Chalkley, director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, praised Stark’s leadership, stating, “Under Chris Stark and his predecessors, the CCC has earned international recognition and respect, setting an example for British leadership in addressing climate change.”