Scotland is an inclusive and internationalist country, with a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities.
However, the Conservatives’ dire and draconian approach to migration is incompatible with the values of Scottish society and the needs of our economy.
Instead of acknowledging Scotland’s unique demographic needs, Boris Johnson and Priti Patel are slamming the door at all costs.
Here’s what you need to know.
1) The Conservatives’ new migration system completely ignores Scotland’s needs
Scotland depends on migration to grow its population and fuel its economy – more than anywhere else in the UK.
Despite claiming it works for the whole of the UK, the Tories’ new system fails to recognize any of Scotland‘s distinct demographic or economic needs – while Boris Johnson’s government has failed to consult or engage the Scottish government.
Experts have estimated that it will lead to a 50-80% reduction in net migration from the EU – potentially causing “significant labor shortages”, particularly in rural areas of Scotland already struggling with depopulation.
👏🏻 @AnumQaisarJaved shattering his maiden speech in the House of Commons.
Scotland needs its own migration system, one based on equality, fairness and respect, not one based on points, exclusion and months of process anxiety. pic.twitter.com/zADJqJ9iBZ
—Julia Stachurska (@julstachurska) May 19, 2021
2) Migration enriches our society
The Scottish Government the analysis revealed that every EU citizen working in Scotland generates additional income £10,000 in public revenue and adds £34,000 to GDP each year.
It is clear that our economy and our communities are strengthened by people who choose to make Scotland their home, no matter where they come from.
Boris Johnson’s irresponsible ‘hostile environment’ migration policies are failing in Scotland and have no place in our society.
🔎 Boris Johnson’s immigration plan is morally wrong and economically illiterate.
🌍 Migrants make a net contribution to the Scottish economy and the @scotgov must have the power to build a more welcoming society. #Marr pic.twitter.com/e4rvmgw2Dw
— The SNP (@theSNP) February 23, 2020
3) The Scottish Parliament has backed the devolution of powers over migration, backed by a wide range of experts
There is cross-party support, led by the SNP and backed by all parties except the Conservatives, for migration powers to be brought to Holyrood, after the previous parliament voted overwhelmingly for a bespoke immigration system – which respects Scotland’s interests, provides essential staff for our public services and places compassion and human dignity at the heart of its concerns.
This is reinforced by the support of the Advisory Group of Experts on Migration and Population, as well as expert organizations including the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).
🛑 Boris Johnson’s xenophobic immigration scheme fails in Scotland.
🏴 ViaMichelin @scotgov unveiled Scottish visa proposals.
👇 Here’s everything you need to know.https://t.co/v7XSabkQrS
— The SNP (@theSNP) February 11, 2020
4) Scotland can’t afford more of Westminster’s failed approach
Scotland’s own immigration system would serve our needs much better than a disconnected system designed in Westminster.
The Scottish Government proposed Scottish visa system would be an additional option alongside other post-Brexit UK visas, boosting the Scottish economy, strengthening our public services and reflecting our welcoming and open-minded culture.
The UK Government’s proposed policy to reduce net migration to tens of thousands could damage the Scottish economy by up to £10 billion a year by 2040.
Either the Tories are in complete denial of the devastating impact of their migration plans, or they are fully aware of the economic damage they will unleash – while simply not caring about the consequences for Scotland.
The Conservatives’ immigration policy is offensive in principle – it calls essential, high-contribution workers ‘unskilled’ and slams the door in their face. And it’s disastrous in practice – it will seriously damage our economy. We need to get powers to create policy for our needs and values
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 19, 2020
5) The only way to remain a welcoming country and protect our interests is with independence
The SNP will continue to fight for the full devolution of migration powers to Holyrood, but the only way to ensure the removal of the Tories’ ‘hostile environment’ is to become an independent country.
An independent Scotland can be safe from cruel immigration incursions, xenophobic migration policies and assert itself as a welcoming country, proud of the contribution of migrants to our society.
Once the pandemic is over, Scots must have a choice about our future, so that we can build a society that truly reflects Scotland’s values - not those of Boris Johnson and his right-wing ilk.
🏴 ViaMichelin
📣 @NicolaSturgeon“Whatever the measure of parliamentary democracy, there is a clear mandate for a referendum in this legislature. pic.twitter.com/KyW3Kg6LQR
— Yes (@YesScot) May 18, 2021