The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. In Scotland, we have 5,000 volunteers – supported by 240 staff – responding to hundreds of emergencies and reaching out to thousands of vulnerable people every year.
But there is always more that could be done. That’s why we are urging all political parties to implement three simple changes that could make Scotland a stronger, more resilient country:
1. Emergency preparedness
An annual ‘Preparedness Week’, operating at both national and local level, to improve the ability of individuals, volunteers, groups and organisations to withstand and recover from emergencies in their area.
2. Asylum without destitution
The right of all asylum seekers in Scotland to lodge an application to claim asylum in the country, through the development of services at UK Border Agency Scotland.
3. International development
A commitment to protect the Scottish Government’s £9 million international development budget and the dedication of funds to emergency international aid.
Read the full Our call to action in Scotland document
Tackling destitution