Call for Falkirk Council to reject hate

A motion is calling on Falkirk Council to reject all forms of hate, and to tackle misinformation.

It's after a number of protests outside the Cladhan hotel in Falkirk, which is being used to house asylum seekers.

Group "Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures" have raised concerns about the site being used as a base for refugees.

The motion, which will be debated today, says the Council needs to tackle misinformation.

It's urging the Council to promote "inclusion, equality and respect".

It has been put forward by independent councillor Laura Murtagh, and reads:

"Council acknowledges the ongoing pressures faced by our communities due to the cost-of-living crisis and the lasting impact of Covid-19. We affirm the right of all citizens to express concerns openly and have their voices heard in decision-making.

Council condemns all forms of discrimination, including racism, sectarianism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism. We recognise current tensions within our communities and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a cohesive, inclusive Falkirk where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Council rejects all forms of intimidation, violence, or harassment of vulnerable individuals, including those with no choice in where they are housed.

Council recognises the legal right to seek asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention and affirms that no human-being seeking asylum should be labelled as "illegal", regardless of how they arrived in the UK. Council notes that the reliance on hotels for asylum accommodation was introduced by the previous UK Government and that neither Falkirk Council nor the Scottish Government had any influence or control over their introduction. Council further notes that the current UK Government has committed to ending hotel use for asylum seekers by the end of the present parliamentary term. Council believes that wider reform of the asylum process is necessary both to process claims faster and maintain public confidence in its fairness and integrity.

Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to:-

1. Reject all forms of hate and discrimination in our communities and across our services.
2. Promote inclusion, equality, and respect through education, engagement, and leadership.
3. Work to bring people together across communities, regardless of their differences, fostering unity and understanding.
4. Work across all our services to tackle misinformation, build trust and strengthen community cohesion."

On a post on social media, Save Our Children and Our Kids Futures have criticised the motion:

"Councillor Laura Murtagh has submitted a motion that, on paper, reads like it’s all about unity, inclusion, and fairness. But let’s be honest it completely sidesteps the real issues the people of Falkirk are raising.

The motion talks about rejecting “all forms of hate and discrimination” and ensuring “everyone is treated with dignity and respect.” Yet at the same time, it labels ordinary concerned residents as racist or far right for expressing genuine concerns about the impact of asylum accommodation on local communities.

Let’s also be clear: we are directly against all crimes. But the Cladhan Hotel has been linked to multiple reports of sexual assault, harassment, indecent exposure, and other criminal activity, including confirmed charges, convictions, and cases where the accused remains bailed and living in the hotel where the alleged offences took place. Families, children, and vulnerable residents are being put at risk, yet the council continues to ignore the real issues.

We aren’t against asylum seekers who come through the proper channels. We support those who respect the system and follow the rules. But our concerns about illegal arrivals, hotel placements, public safety, and the strain on local services are real, and this motion does nothing to address them.

At some point, councillors need to start listening to the people they are supposed to represent, rather than writing motions that protect a political narrative while ignoring our safety and communities.

Falkirk residents deserve better than words they deserve action. Safety, fairness, and transparency are non-negotiable."