WE'RE well accustomed to Scottish Tories going into hiding any time they face difficult questions.
Their colleagues from south of the Border have an attitude of "when in Rome", it seems.
Home Office minister Caroline Nokes is visiting Glasgow today. This comes amid a huge ongoing scandal over the eviction of asylum seekers in the city.
If you're not caught up on that story, you can read our coverage by clicking here.
It all forms part of the hostile environment policy promoted by the Tories – and despite repeated requests to intervene over the row, the Home Office has refused.
So, the UK minister of state for immigration is in Glasgow, as the Home Office face questions over the impact of their policies on asylum seekers in Glasgow.
A perfect chance to answer questions on the issue, surely? Nope. The Tories have decided this is a "private" visit.
BBC journalist Katie Hunter revealed on Twitter: "@ukhomeoffice says @carolinenokes visit to Glasgow today is 'private'. We've put in multiple bids to speak to Home Office about @SercoGroup asylum seeker lock-change story but all interview bids rejected. We've been asking for the last eight days."
.@ukhomeoffice says @carolinenokes visit to Glasgow today is “private”. We’ve put in multiple bids to speak to Home Office about @SercoGroup asylum seeker lock-change story but all interview bids rejected. We’ve been asking for the last eight days. #serco #asylumseekers #glasgow pic.twitter.com/Sq869KgT6F
— Katie Hunter (@KatieHunterBBC) August 7, 2018
It's another revealing example of Conservative accountability in action. Any time there's a scandal, they go into hiding.
Hundreds of people have protested in Glasgow over the evictions, showing their support for those in need.
Instead of being given answers, they get a wall of silence, as the UK send their ministers up under lock-and-key.
And apparently, that attitude extends to the Prime Minister:
Sadly, @theresa_may is not giving @BBCScotlandNews interview today https://t.co/XtpXoqLWdV
— Glenn Campbell (@GlennBBC) August 7, 2018
Scotland is vocal in its support for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees – but have to fight the UK Government every step of the way.
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