Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, joined his MP and MSP colleagues last Sunday (26/06/2016) to take part in the Refugee and Solidarity Football Tournament, organised by Scottish Unity Football League and Glasgow Afghan United as a part of Refugee Week, which ran from 20th to 26th of June.

football

The Tournament took place in Glasgow with the aim of welcoming refuges to the community. The event uses football to promote anti-discrimination by providing a platform which allows interaction between different people, eliminating barriers such as race, religion, nationality, age and sexual orientation. Local and refugee communities came together to play and enjoy football, while having the opportunity to interact and socialise with one another.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“I and my parliamentary colleagues wanted to take part in the Refugee and Solidarity 2016 Tournament as a way of showing support to the multi-ethnical environment in Scotland.”

“Scotland has been in the forefront of dealing with the refugee crisis and has been accommodating refugees from war-torn countries for years. This tournament was another way to demonstrate Scotland’s hospitality and welcoming attitude towards refugees.”

“I was honoured to take part in this great event, even though we didn’t win. I would like to congratulate Shawbridge Lions for winning the tournament.”