The Church of Scotland has joined 19 other church leaders from across the UK in urging the Home Secretary to put an end to the so-called ‘hostile environment’ of policies forcing some destitute people to leave the UK.

In a strongly-worded open letter to Sajid Javid, signed by leaders including the Rev Dr Richard Frazer, Convener of the Church’s Church and Society Council, they argue that destitution deliberately inflicted by the UK Government is 'inhumane' and leads to racial discrimination.

The ‘hostile environment’ is defined as the web of government policies designed to make life so difficult for people who cannot prove they have the right to live in the UK that they will choose to leave.

The letter states: “People who do not look or sound ‘British’ are now facing increased difficulty in finding homes and employment, because landlords and employers are being asked to play the role of border guards.”

The leaders, including representatives from the Anglican, Catholic, Methodist Churches, have asked the Home Secretary “to seize this opportunity and adopt an approach to immigration that treats every individual, whatever their status, with humanity, dignity, respect and fairness.”

The letter adds: “As Christians we assert the importance of offering welcome to the stranger and caring for the vulnerable, whoever they are.

“Many of our churches support those who have suffered hardship because of the hostile environment. Is it any wonder that Churches are speaking out about immigration policy?“

The Rev Dr Richard Frazer, Convener of the Church’s Church and Society Council