THE SNP has slammed Scottish Tories for voting for the controversial immigration bill that seeks to end to freedom of movement in the UK.
The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill is part of the move towards the UK Government's new points-based immigration system, to be introduced from 2021.
It was approved at third reading by 342 votes to 248, majority 94, thereby clearing all stages in the House of Commons.
As well as bringing an end to freedom of movement, the bill offers no solutions to issues arising from the ongoing coronavirus crisis, such as visa extensions and the protection of asylum seekers.
SNP shadow immigration minister Stuart McDonald MP says the Tories have once again let Scotland down in their failure to follow through on commitments to create an immigration system that would work for all parts of the UK.
McDonald, who called the bill “draconian” and “ideologically-driven”, said: “This bill will see families split apart, businesses drowned in red tape and unable to recruit, people left destitute, black holes in food production, hospitality and health care sectors, and EU citizens stripped of their rights overnight. It is quite frankly a disaster for Scotland.
“The majority of Scotland's population growth is due to come from migration yet this Bill’s aim is to cut it, risking Scotland's working-age population being plunged into decline.
"This will hit GDP, tax revenues, and cause staffing shortages in public services and across key sectors.
“The Scottish Tories have dismissed all of these serious concerns and failed Scotland – again - by putting party union first and voting for a bill that will impose huge economic hardship on the country they are supposed to represent.
"Their credibility has been completely undermined and they should be embarrassed over the damage they have inflicted on their own constituencies, particularly in rural areas.
“And all of this after their Westminster boss failed to confirm the UK government will provide the powers and funding the Scottish Government needs to aid a strong economic recovery for Scotland.
"Whilst migration and fiscal powers remain reserved to Westminster, Scotland’s ability to financially recover from the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 remains seriously hampered.
“Scotland needs the devolution of immigration and fiscal powers now to do what is best for Scotland in these difficult times. Successive governments have failed Scotland for decades, but this Bill is one of the biggest disasters in modern times.”
Labour's Yvette Cooper, chairwoman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, warned the Government not to turn its back on child refugees.
She pressed to vote for her amendment which sought to continue existing arrangements for unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with close relatives in the UK.
It was defeated by 255 votes to 332 - a majority of 77.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel