MIGRATION: GREEN MSP WELCOMES STUDY SHOWING ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood's economy committee, is welcoming new research showing that the Westminster consensus to reduce migration risks harming the economy.
As the Conservatives, Labour and Libdems tussle over who can seem toughest on immigrants, a report by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) shows that a cap on migration would create an economic shortfall.
NIESR warn of "a reduction in the pool of talent available to businesses."
Earlier this year a poll for the Scottish Green MSPs showed two-thirds of Scots want Holyrood to have control over immigration policy. None of the parties campaigning for a No vote has offered to devolve it.
A recent study by the Centre for Population Change also showed that local authorities in Scotland view migrants as positive but don't always have the resources needed to welcome them.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
"This latest research supports the Green view that immigration is good for our economy and society. Our local authorities need better resources and greater control to get the best results, and Scotland needs the power to set its own policy.
"The debate being played out at Westminster, stoked by fear and hostility, bears little relation to the situation in Scotland and risks throwing away so much potential. I'm for a welcoming policy, and I want Holyrood to have the ability to secure the benefits of immigration for our communities."
The benefits of attracting high skilled migrants (NIESR)
Immigration poll by Survation in March 2014 for Scottish Green MSPs