We were filming an interview on the outskirts of a public park in Falkirk when a woman approached. "Can I just ask why you're encouraging these men to sit in this park?" she asked while recording the exchange on her phone. The man we were speaking to for our latest Disclosure documentary was living in a nearby asylum hotel, where angry protests had been taking place since the summer. The woman said men from the hotel had been following local children, and asked us to take our interview elsewhere.
Oh dear, not the hero's welcome for supporting refugees this BBC wonk expected?
At this point, a group of asylum seekers who we hadn't noticed playing football nearby appeared over the hill. She told me it was my fault they were there and if "anything happens here, you've got it on your head".The woman uploaded her video to the internet. It was viewed millions of times after being shared by right wing influencers such as Tommy Robinson. She was hailed a hero for standing up for women and children. I was deluged with abuse and warned that I should stay out of Falkirk.
LOL!
I don't believe my interview with this man, who later withdrew consent for its use, put anyone in danger. But this encounter, and its aftermath, gave me perhaps the sharpest insight yet into the fear some within the town - and beyond – have about asylum seekers in their communities.
It doesn't sound much as if you really learned why that situation existed, but the folk of Falkirk did their level best to school you...
Asylum seekers are not generally permitted to work while their claims are being processed and get an allowance of £1.42 a day to live on. With free meals, accommodation and no bills to pay, it sticks in the throats of some. Kevin, a regular protester, told me: "They're getting telly, they're getting warmth, they're getting clothing, they're getting phones, they're getting free healthcare and if you think that's right in our country right now, I don't."
Who could possibly think this was a sensible state of affairs, or one that can be sustained for too long without a backlash from the population forced to pay to give invaders a better lifestyle than they themselves can afford?
The Cladhan was once a favoured place for wedding receptions, anniversaries and birthday parties. No warning was given or consultation held with the local community that up to 90 asylum seekers were going to be housed here in 2021.
Of course they weren't consulted, they knew what the answer would be! And they knew why that would be the answer...
Former Cladhan resident Sadeq Nikzad, from Afghanistan, was jailed in June for the rape of a 15-year-old local girl. Sarah Jane Waugh, part of the Falkirk Pink Ladies group which wants the hotel closed, told us it "killed me to know that that girl's life was ruined". "We shouldn't be walking about in fear," she added.
No, you shouldn't, Do you think the local council executives are walking about in fear? They should be - fear of ther almighty backlash that is coming!
There is a feeling among some, perhaps based in part on perceptions around how other cultures treat women, that asylum seekers are more likely to carry out sex attacks. Part of Nikzad's legal defence was that he didn't understand what was and was not allowed due to cultural differences between the UK and Afghanistan.
It can hardly be said to be just a 'perception' when everyone can see exactly how women are treated in these alien cultures when they open their morning newpaper...
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