MSP welcomes release of Migration to Scotland after Independence paper
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DEALING with worker shortages, depopulation and migration form the centrepiece of a new Scottish Government paper.
Migration to Scotland after Independence outlines how Scotland, with the full powers of independence, would address problems such as worker shortages and depopulation with a different approach to migration from that currently employed by the UK.
It is the sixth paper in the Building a New Scotland series.
The launch of the paper was welcomed by Banfshire and Buchan SNP MSP Karen Adam, who said that under these plans, Scotland would implement a humane, dignified and principled migration system which would maximise the many benefits of migration to both our society and our economy. She also stressed the emphasis on protecting the rights of migrants and free movement as a member of the EU.
Ms Adam continued: “Banffshire and Buchan Coast has been badly affected by Brexit and the UKs London centric immigration system.
"Rural depopulation has been an all to common issue in our area and rural Scotland in general. But we have a system that is designed to meet the needs of the Home Counties and the views of the readers of the Daily Mail, not the needs of our fishing, farming, tourist industries.
“This paper demonstrates that whether you are coming to an independent Scotland seeking refuge or to make a new life for yourself, you will be welcomed and supported in doing so.
“For too long the immense value that migrants add to communities like Banffshire and Buchan Coast, whether that is through cultural or economic enrichment, has been ignored.
“Westminster control over migration policy has done immeasurable harm to both migrants and Scotland both economically and culturally and the current hostile environment is a shameful scourge on the UK.
“With the full powers of independence, Scotland will create a migration policy that is tailored to the needs of our people, our businesses and our economy.
“We must be able to implement policies which reflect the values and needs of communities like those in Banffshire and Buchan Coast and this paper outlines how, with the full powers of independence, we would do exactly that.”
However, Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross branded the paper as an exercise in "squandering taxpayers' money".
He commented: "This paper shows how out-of-touch SNP MSPs – like Karen Adam – are with the real priorities facing Moray and the north-east of Scotland.
"Spending taxpayer money on yet another independence paper is a total waste of scarce resources and shows that the SNP's independence obsession will always be the top priority for the SNP.
"Despite the global cost of living crisis, the pressures on our NHS, the failures to upgrade key roads like the A96 and cuts to our police, the SNP-Green government are wasting more time in parliament on Tuesday debating this paper.
"They should stop squandering taxpayers' money and focus on the real priorities that matter to people and communities in Moray and Banffshire."
The paper in full can be read at https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-migration-scotland-independence/documents/
