Stephen Flynn
SNP Westminster leader · Westminster leader 2022–
In one sentence
National party of 'sanctuary' — voted against UK enforcement as a bloc.
The SNP voted against NABA, IMA and Rwanda. Scottish Labour's 'Nation of Sanctuary' — launched under Carwyn Jones in Wales; Scotland ran a parallel welcome politics — is the devolved expression of the same idea: UK enforcement is something to be frustrated. Flynn's MPs treat immigration control as a Tory vice. A YouGov poll for ITV Wales in September 2025 found 49% opposed to the Welsh sanctuary policy versus 34% in favour. The Westminster votes did not move.
I am very proud to say that I support immigration, which is an economic good.
What they did
2021–2024
Bloc noes
SNP MPs against every Conservative enforcement bill. No exceptions of consequence.
Devolved government
Sanctuary branding
Holyrood messaging as a refuge from UK policy, including during the Channel crisis that Holyrood does not border-manage.
How they voted
Blocked it / opened it means they voted against tighter rules, or for the Human Rights Act. Backed it means they voted for a tightening bill.
| Bill | What they did | Note |
|---|---|---|
NABA 2022 2022 | Blocked it | SNP against. |
IMA 2023 2023 | Blocked it | SNP against. |
Rwanda Act 2024 2024 | Blocked it | SNP against. |
Sources: Hansard; Nation of Sanctuary reporting; TheyWorkForYou SNP bloc