UK’s approach on immigration ‘will not meet needs of Scotland’, says Swinney

John Swinney has hit out at the UK Government’s “one-size-fits-all” approach to immigration, as he insisted reforms from the Labour Government at Westminster “will not meet the needs of Scotland”.

The Scottish First Minister again spoke of his “deep disappointment” with proposals announced by Sir Keir Starmer last week.

Warning that the UK could become an “island of strangers” if changes are not made, the Prime Minister announced plans to increase the amount of time people will have to spend in the UK before applying for settled status.

Other changes will mean the end of visas for care workers from overseas, along with a reduction in the amount of time graduates can spend in the UK after their studies.

Mr Swinney discussed the impact the changes will have when he met with representatives from the care sector and education.

Representatives from the tourism industry, business and local government were also at the Tuesday talks.

With Scotland’s working age population falling, the Scottish Government has been pushing for a different approach to immigration to be adopted north of the border, to meet different demographic needs.

Mr Swinney, meanwhile, stressed the value of workers from overseas for Scotland’s economy and public services.

I feel strongly that a one-size fits all approach to immigration will not meet the needs of Scotland or much of the UK.

The First Minister said: “Scotland is proud to welcome and support people from around the world who choose to live, work and build their lives in our country.

“Not only does migration enrich our communities and culture, it is vital for economic growth, public services like the NHS and addressing our population challenges.”

Stressing there are “significant benefits” to be had from immigration, the SNP leader added that this was “why there was such deep disappointment that the UK Government’s White Paper fails to take on board our proposals to help meet Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic requirements”.

Mr Swinney said: “I feel strongly that a one-size-fits-all approach to immigration will not meet the needs of Scotland or much of the UK.”

The Scottish Government remains willing to work with UK ministers to “deliver an immigration system that avoids harm to our economy, communities, and public services”, the First Minister added.

And he said: “To do that work effectively, it was important to hear directly from representatives of the sectors that will be affected if the proposals are implemented in their current form.”

A Home Office source said: “The issues raised by the First Minister are the result of 18 years of SNP chaos and under-investment in skills.

“Instead of relying on overseas workers, they should focus on support for the 84,000 young people in Scotland not in work, education or training.

“Their Young Person’s Guarantee from the 2021 Manifesto must ring hollow today to those young people who once looked to Swinney and his team in Holyrood for a brighter future.

“Instead of blaming others for their failure, the SNP should work with us to back Scottish workers and build the skills Scottish businesses need to thrive.”