An SNP council leader has been accused of warning politicians against discussing asylum hotel protests in an attempt to appeal to Reform UK voters. Cecil Meiklejohn, who leads Falkirk Council, allegedly told SNP councillors to avoid public discussion of demonstrations targeting asylum seekers.
Internal messages seen by The Herald reveal that SNP councillors raised concerns about protests at Falkirk's Cladhan Hotel, where hundreds gathered to demonstrate against asylum seekers housed there by the Home Office. Meiklejohn responded that it was a "public" area and warned against elected representatives discussing the protest.
The council leader told colleagues that "strong" guidance discouraged discussion of the demonstrations. She added: "I did say in relation to social media, that it should be limited to national lines and generic for individual's own safety and your concern could be interpreted in a way that could actually cause more concern among your constituents."
Electoral pressures emerge
Multiple SNP sources claim the warnings were designed to appease voters leaning towards Nigel Farage's Reform UK party ahead of next year's Scottish elections. One insider said: "Cecil wanted to give off mixed messages to appease Reform voters - she is terrified that this issue will cost us votes at next year's election."
The source added that "every second or third door in Falkirk is leaning Reform", describing it as a "huge concern" for the party. Another insider accused Meiklejohn of showing "zero leadership at such a critical time" and failing to condemn "racist bile blighting our community".
Extremist elements at protests
Protests targeting asylum seeker accommodation have swept across Scotland in recent weeks, including demonstrations in Aberdeen, Falkirk and Perth. At the Falkirk protest, at least one person performed a Nazi salute whilst another carried a banner reading "Kill 'Em All, Let God Sort 'Em Out".
The demonstrations have been influenced by the case of Sadeq Nikzad, an Afghan asylum seeker jailed for nine years for raping a 15-year-old girl in Falkirk. Community sentiment about asylum accommodation has been affected by this high-profile case.
Official responses and clarifications
Meiklejohn defended her position, saying: "The SNP is the only major party in Scotland standing up to toxic politics of Nigel Farage. We have a long-standing and unwavering commitment to a fair, humane, and compassionate asylum system."
The SNP denied attempting to silence debate but acknowledged suggesting awareness of how language and actions can fuel division. Falkirk Council clarified it has no role in placing asylum seekers at the Cladhan Hotel, which is managed by the Mears Group on behalf of the Home Office.
Further protests occurred at Perth's Radisson Blu hotel, with Perth and Kinross Council deputy leader Eric Drysdale expressing concerns the demonstration could turn violent. The protests reflect broader tensions around asylum accommodation across the UK.
Sources used: "The Herald", "BBC", "The Guardian", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
