Correspondence relating to protests against housing asylum seekers in hotels and which mention right wing ideologies: FOI release

Information requested

Any internal or external government communications made since 13/03/2025 which both relate to protestors demonstrating against the housing of asylum seekers in hotels, and include any mentions of "Nazi", "Nazis", the "Homeland Party" or "Patriotic Alternative". If it is feasible and does not breach FOI time limits due to excessive results, please also include mentions of "far-right". Otherwise, please disregard the inclusion of "far-right.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested within the attached document.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under Section 38(1)(b) – personal information/data; Section 30(b)(i) – free and frank provision of advice; Section 30(b)(ii) – free and frank exchange of views; Section 39 – health and safety; and Section 25(1) - Information otherwise accessible apply.

Section 38(1)(b) – Personal Information/Data

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested because it is personal data of a third party, for example names of individuals or other personal data such as addresses. Disclosing this data would contravene the data protection principles in the UK.

General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

Section 30(b)(i) – Free and Frank Provision of Advice

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of interest in the Scottish Government's discussion of sensitive issues. However, this is outweighed by public interest in the Scottish Government being able freely exchange advice on ongoing issues for the purposes of community cohesion and safety. Disclosing free and frank exchanges of advice would substantially inhibit such advice being provided in the future, particularly as these discussions relate to sensitive issues.

Section 30(b)(ii) – Free and Frank Exchange of Views
An exemption under 30(b)(ii) applies because disclosure would inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of interest in the Scottish Government's discussion of sensitive issues. However, this is outweighed by public interest in the Scottish Government being able freely discuss ongoing situations for the purposes of community cohesion and safety. Disclosing free and frank exchanges of views would substantially inhibit such views being provided in the future.

Section 39 – Health and Safety

An exemption under section 39 applies to some information because it would, or would be likely to, endanger the physical or mental health or safety of an individual. Releasing data regarding the number of hotels used to accommodate people seeking asylum is outweighed by the public interest in the safety and security of any individuals residing in temporary accommodation and in maintaining operational dialogue and information sharing between Governments and third-party providers, particularly at this time when there is heightened unrest regarding protests at asylum hotels across the UK.

Section 25(1) - Information otherwise accessible

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Information Already Available:

Standing Together: The health impacts of the… | People's Health Trust

Greens call for urgent Ministerial statement on ‘disgraceful’ far right hotel protests - Scottish greens

Refugees not to be scapegoated': Scottish Government…

Labour MP blasts 'coked-up yobbery' of far right protestors as she hits out at 'disaster' of asylum hotels - Daily Record

Stand Together for the Scotland We Love Before It’s Too Late! — The Edinburgh Interfaith Association

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202600500172 - Information Released - Documents

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