Unwelcome Scotland?

ChrisR777

When I was in a local corner shop a couple of days ago, I expressed surprise that the son, a full time student was behind the counter still, what with his studies. He said his dad was back in Pakistan to sign paperwork and see to a few things, with regards to a house that the family has recently bought.

I told him about others I had known who had returned to the home country once they retired, assuming this was a similar situation.

Sadly, the family, whose children have lived here all their lives, they are making plans to leave Scotland, in the event that the next general election goes a particular way.

My response was one of surprise and sadness, it grieved me to hear that such decent and hardworking members of my community, that they might feel compelled to get out in several years, that they no longer felt safe and valued in their adopted country.

If it was up to me, families like this would be made more welcome, and certain others told to take their faux grievances and intolerance elsewhere.

Rosie_Scope

That's really sad to hear @ChrisR777. You'd hope that we'd be moving forward to a more tolerant and kind society as time goes on. It's horrible to think that people aren't feeling welcome any more and are having to uproot their lives again. I'm sure many of them had a tough time coming over here and establishing themselves, so it must be bad for them to be considering leaving. I hope things start to turn around over the next few years.

ChrisR777

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1140452#Comment_1140452

I certainly hope such concerns prove unfounded, I was actually shocked, as up until now, I haven't associated that kind of thing with this quiet place.

justsaying2025

How sad, saying that the Scots seem to be less inclined towards the view point you describe. I'm honestly thinking of a move to Scotland to escape as they seem less bigoted than the folk around me/in my neighbourhood. It makes me feel sad. I also think if we did get a Reform UK government women will not be well represented. For all his rhetoric they are a party of misogynists, to the core. When I see the females out in support I feel very sad. Saying all that, I'd die on the hill to support their right to an opinion ie free speech.

JessieJ

It is very sad & quite understandable, which makes it worse. I live in a city, a multicultural city & that's the bit I love. It saddens me to see & hear how some people behave & think. I know who I would prefer as neighbours. We have one life & we all share the same planet, get on & live & let live.

SheffieldMan1976

I agree, just because a few silly people are peddling a false narrative that ALL immigrants are bad doesn't mean it's true, most of the Asian/Indian shop owners have been here perfectly legally for Donkey's years.

egiste2r

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1140452#Comment_1140452

You're oversimplifying. Perhaps they don't like the climate, they don't have a community where they can speak their native language, or they don't find the laws fair - there are many reasons for leaving for their historical homeland.

Rosie_Scope

That may well be part of it too @egiste2r, but the main point that ChrisR777 was making was that the people he'd spoken to weren't feeling safe or valued. Which is still a sad factor for people to wanting to leave even if there are other elements to their decision.

egiste2r

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1140568#Comment_1140568

That's his own conclusion. I don't think the student told him everything and the truth. Besides, we shouldn't forget about those who immigrated from Eastern Europe - are they really feeling the same way, and are they planning to leave if the election results are "wrong"?

The authorities need to pursue a very sensitive immigration policy, rather than trying to fill their coffers with cash.