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English for Speakers of Other Languages (Protests against Adult Classes in Schools)

Part of Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 4 December 2025.

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Photo of Maggie Chapman Maggie Chapman Green 2:30, 4 December 2025

ESOL classes such as those taking place in Seaton in Aberdeen are for adults. Some of those adults may be parents or carers of school pupils, some may be Ukrainian or Polish, and some may be asylum seekers. They all just want to improve their English to help them to live in our communities, yet they are being targeted by far-right racists. I hope that the Scottish Government agrees that it is totally unacceptable for education to be targeted and disrupted in that way.

What support will the Scottish Government provide to schools and councils to counter the misinformation and far-right agitation that is fuelling the protests, to protect family learning hubs and to deter racist fearmongering? What strategies can be put in place to defend inclusive adult education in our communities?

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