By David Langstane
Rupert Lowe, the suspended Reform UK MP, has ignited controversy by criticising Aberdeen City Council for its “Guaranteed Interview Scheme,” which he claims offers job opportunities to illegal immigrants. He claimed that the council initiative, aimed at supporting “New Scots,” includes fast-tracking refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals whose asylum applications have been refused but remain in Scotland, into interviews for apprenticeships in trade and non-trade roles.
Lowe took to social media platform X to express his outrage, labeling Aberdeen City Council (ACC) as “a disgrace.” He argued that illegal migrants should not be considered “New Scots” and should be treated according to their legal status. His post quickly gained traction, amassing over 350,000 views, 2,000 retweets, and 10,000 likes, sparking a heated online debate. The incident caused outrage amongst those who feel native Scots are being victimised by decisions made by national and local government bodies out of touch with public sentiment.
The scheme has been criticised for allegedly offering privileges to individuals without the legal right to work in the UK. The term ‘New Scots’ had been defined in the Council’s online scheme description as: “refugees and asylum seekers in Scottish communities” which includes those “who have been refused asylum, and those whose application has been refused but who remain in Scotland”.
Despite this description, co-Council leader, Christian Allard, stated in an interview with the Press and Journal, that the council’s position was that all participants in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
Supporters of the council’s policy have defended it as a way to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into Scottish communities and provide them with opportunities to contribute positively to society. They argue that this approach is more constructive than placing asylum seekers in hotels at the tax payer’s expense where they are unable to engage with the community. Critics, however, see it as being prejudicial against native Scots and a potential pull factor for more illegal immigration. In addition, there is a continuing sense of a council which pursues a political agenda that does not represent the majority view. This view is in line with the ongoing criticism about the massive reduction in footfall in the city centre as a result of council policies with have been detrimental to business.
The Guaranteed Interview Scheme highlights growing tension surrounding immigration policies in Scotland. While some view the initiative as a step toward inclusivity and community building, others see it as privileging foreign-born applicants over native Scots. This debate underscores deep divisions over how best to manage immigration while balancing societal integration with legal enforcement.
Aberdeen City Council remains firm in its stance that the scheme adheres to legal requirements and aims to support vulnerable groups within Scottish communities. However, Lowe’s criticism has brought national and local attention to the policy, ensuring that discussions about immigration and employment rights will remain a contentious issue in Scotland’s political landscape.
