THE SNP has challenged Labour and the Tories to match the party's commitment to immigration, saying the best deal to protect freedom of movement is to stay in the EU. 

Drew Hendry, the party’s Business spokesperson, echoed concerns raised by the director general of the CBI Carolyn Fairbairn who warned that Labour’s immigration policies could “crack the foundations” of the economy, while the Tories’ continued hostile environment could lead to a skills shortage – leaving a gap in workers needed for key sectors.

She also warned both parties against “extreme ideology” – raising concerns over the continued dangers of a No-Deal Brexit and “wholesale deregulation”.

Meanwhile today the First Minister, who is in Stirling campaigning with SNP candidate Alyn Smith, will say immigration should be devolved. Nicola Sturgeon is expected to say the UK Government not recognising Scotland’s “unique circumstances” would be a “disaster” for the country.

This week the Conservatives set out plans to cut the number of low-skilled EU workers – who are vital for the social care and agriculture sectors – while also pledging to ramp up the NHS care charge migrants must pay.

Hendry, SNP business spokesperson and candidate for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said "a vote for the SNP is a vote to escape Brexit".

He added: “With both Labour and the Tories intent on inflicting lasting harm on our economy and businesses with their hostile immigration plans, it’s clear that at this election only a vote for the SNP is a vote to escape Brexit, to protect businesses from economic harm, and to put Scotland’s future into Scotland’s hands.

“Rather than pursuing restrictive immigration plans and extreme ideologies that would ‘crack the foundations’ of our economy, lead to a skills shortage, and harm our public services, the main Westminster parties must listen to the concerns of the business community.

“Freedom of movement is vital for Scotland and it’s clear that any form of Brexit would be devastating – leaving our society poorer and worse off.

“The best deal for business and for Scotland is to remain in the EU. Labour and Tories must now get behind the SNP’s calls to fully protect freedom of movement and to protect our business community.

“If both of the main Westminster parties are unwilling to stand up for freedom of movement then a Scotland-specific migration system is needed to allow us to prioritise what our economy and society needs.”