Scottish Greens call for devolution of migration powers to support rural communities
The UK government must allow Scotland to set its own immigration priorities to support our rural economy, says Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess.
Ms Burgess had lodged an amendment calling for the powers to be devolved as part of a Scottish Government debate on Brexit Impacts on Scotland’s Rural Economy.
Brexit continues to be a devastating blow to Scotland’s rural communities, with new barriers to migration erected by Westminster negatively impacting rural businesses who rely on seasonal workers to operate.
Ariane Burgess MSP said:
“Scotland should have the right to make our own decisions on immigration and to reach out to the world around us.
“A lot of businesses and communities across rural Scotland have been hammered by Brexit and the devastating impacts it has had.
“Our rural hospitality sector in particular has struggled to sustain itself, with many businesses having to cut back or face closure due to staff shortages and barriers to trade; including some that have been in families for generations.
“It is time for the Prime Minister and his government to recognise the profoundly damaging impact Brexit is having and finally devolve immigration and visa powers.
“The people of Scotland did not vote for Brexit and do not support it. Just as our citizens are now unable to freely work in Europe, Europeans also suffer, with limitations placed on how they can live, work and study in our country.
“I hope our parliament will come together to back my amendment and call on Westminster to undo the awful damage done by Brexit.
“Freedom of movement across Europe was one of the biggest political achievements of the post-war era, and the Scottish Greens want it to be restored.
“The Scotland I want us to build is one where we can welcome people to our country, support the right to work and allow our rural businesses and communities to thrive and prosper.”