Angry demonstrations outside hotels for asylum seekers in neighbouring Falkirk and other areas have been condemned by West Lothian’s political leaders.

The protests followed the Supreme Court’s overturn of an injunction won by a council in Essex ordering a hotel to move asylum seekers out of the Bell Hotel in Epping.

But SNP hopes that a united message could be delivered by all of West Lothian's political parties foundered when only Independent Andrew McGuire endorsed the party’s call that asylum seekers should not “ be made scapegoats.”

The SNP said: “We defend the right to peaceful protest and recognise many in our communities are facing tough times.

West Lothian will always welcome those seeking sanctuary, whilst challenging any hostility or discrimination they may face.”

“People n

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