Tag: Brexit

UK NO to Scottish Visa

Proposals for a new Scottish Visa to address depopulation and cut skills gaps were unveiled yesterday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – but the initiative was swiftly scuppered by the Home Office, who said that ‘immigration will remain a reserved (to Westminster) matter.” 

The visa proposals have been designed to work with devolution – but the principles and the practical measures proposed could be adapted should Scotland become independent in future.

Under the current constitutional arrangements, the Scottish Government plan would see responsibility for immigration policy split with the UK Government.

Migrants wanting to live in Scotland could choose to apply for a Scottish Visa, or one of the existing immigration routes offered by the UK Government.

Residence in Scotland and maintaining a Scottish tax code would be a requirement for such a visa.

The Scottish Government says these proposals are important and urgent. In contrast to the rest of the UK, all of Scotland’s population growth for the next 25 years is projected to come from migration, and yet new UK Government immigration controls and the end of free movement after Brexit are expected to exacerbate the risk of skills gaps and labour shortages in Scotland.

The First Minister said: “Migration to Scotland supports economic growth and the delivery of public services and helps to address the serious issue of long term demographic change – as well as enhancing and sustaining our communities.

“Yet the latest proposals from the UK Government to control immigration and end freedom of movement would be disastrous for our economy and society and would risk acute labour shortages.

“Migration is an issue which is crucial for our future, but the Scottish Government doesn’t currently have the powers needed to deliver tailored immigration policies for Scotland.

“Devolving immigration powers by introducing a Scottish Visa would allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish.”

Migration minister Ben Macpherson said: “Scotland’s migration needs are different to the rest of the UK.

“Today Nicola Sturgeon & I launched The Scottish Government’s proposals for a Scottish Visa, & other changes to UK immigration policy that would help us to deliver solutions that better met Scotland’s needs, values & aspirations.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has also backed proposals for a new Scottish Visa to address the skills gaps in Edinburgh, set to be made worse by Brexit.

Under plans announced by the First Minister, migrants who want to live in Scotland could choose to apply for a Scottish Visa – or one of the existing immigration routes offered by the UK Government.

All of Scotland’s population growth for the next 25 years is projected to come from migration. However, new UK Government immigration controls and the end of free movement after Brexit are expected to exacerbate the risk of skills gaps and labour shortages in Scotland.

Without migration, Edinburgh could face a demographic crisis that could hammer public services like the NHS – with an ageing population leaving Scotland with fewer working-age taxpayers.

A cross-party report by Holyrood’s Finance Committee found that, without additional powers for the Scottish Parliament, Scottish public spending may be put at risk by demographic changes.

Member of the finance committee, SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Brexit, and the end of freedom of movement, poses a huge risk to our economy and public services in Edinburgh. 

“It is vital for the capitals’s future prosperity that we continue to attract people to live and work here. Migrants make hugely valuable contributions to our economy, public services, and communities – and that must continue.

“The one-size-fits-all approach by the UK government ignores Scotland’s needs and could put our ability to fund public services like the NHS at risk.

“UK government proposals to end freedom of movement and put in place inappropriate salary and skills requirements for all migrants would be disastrous for our economy and society, and would risk acute labour shortages.

“These sensible Scottish Government proposals, in line with other regional migration systems such as in Canada and Australia, would give us the ability to create a system which secures the future prosperity of Edinburgh.

“If the UK government refuse to deliver that plan it will yet again underline the urgent need for Scotland to take these decisions for ourselves.”

You can read the paper here: 

https://www.gov.scot/publications/migration-helping-scotland-prosper/.‬

Most vulnerable at risk from Brexit, says new report

The UK’s exit from the EU is highly likely to negatively impact the most vulnerable people in Scotland, a new report has found.

‘The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit’ is an independent report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, which has identified 137 potential impacts on those already facing inequality, discrimination, or social exclusion.

The report highlights impacts including the loss of legal rights, employment protections, funding opportunities, healthcare rights, and supply and access to food, fuel and medicines.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly warned that any kind of Brexit will be disastrous for our most vulnerable citizens.

“The UK Government failed to carry out any meaningful assessment on the impact of Brexit, including an Equality Impact Assessment. The Scottish Government asked an independent expert Dr Eve Hepburn to review the social and equality impacts of leaving the EU on people in Scotland and across the UK.

“The Scottish Parliament, like the other devolved nations, has explicitly – and comprehensively – refused to give its consent to the UK Government’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

“Although Scotland is being pulled out of the EU against its will, the Scottish Government will not ignore the negative impact Brexit will have on people, including the most vulnerable in our society.

“This report underlines, yet again, why the future of Scotland should be in its own hands.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Any form of Brexit will be bad for Scotland – and will hit jobs and household incomes in our city.

 “With just days until the UK is due to leave the EU, people and businesses in Edinburgh will be understandably concerned with the complete lack of clarity coming from Boris Johnson’s government.

“Far from delivering extra cash for the NHS, as was infamously promised by the Leave campaign bus, people face losing access to public services, the ability to buy daily essentials in the case of price rises and access to affordable housing.

“Every local authority area in Scotland voted to remain in the EU – Edinburgh voted to remain by 74% – and yet we’ve been completely ignored by the Tory government ever since.

“It is clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation.”

“The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit’ report

PM Boris Johnson signed the Withdrawal Agreement on Friday. He said: “The signing of the Withdrawal Agreement is a fantastic moment, which finally delivers the result of the 2016 referendum and brings to an end far too many years of argument and division.

“We can now move forward as one country – with a Government focused upon delivering better public services, greater opportunity and unleashing the potential of every corner of our brilliant United Kingdom, while building a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals.”

EU citizens ‘vital to Scotland’

EU citizens living and working in Scotland make an invaluable contribution to our society, culture and economy, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday.

At an event in Edinburgh to celebrate the positive impact of EU citizens the First Minister announced additional funding for the Stay in Scotland campaign. Continue reading EU citizens ‘vital to Scotland’

Queen’s Speech raises fears over ‘no deal’ brexit

UK Government legislation puts the prospect of a damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit more firmly back on the table, the Scottish Government has warned.

The Queen’s Speech made clear the UK Government intends to bring forward legislation to ensure there can be no extension to the implementation period beyond 2020, even if no future partnership has been agreed.

According to Scottish Government analysis, the country’s economy would suffer significant damage under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal. A ‘no deal’ outcome would cause even more damage with profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Michael Russell said: “Once again the prospect of a disastrous ‘no deal’ Brexit is looming for Scotland if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.

“The decision to remove Scotland from the European Union, which ignores the will of the Scottish people, is the most serious example of the democratic deficit in our post-devolution relationship with the UK Government.

“A ‘no deal’ Brexit would further and seriously compound the harmful effects of this decision and have a very damaging effect on our economy.”

Collision course: A brighter future for Scotland outside the EU, says Scottish Secretary

Legislation in the Queen’s Speech will allow us to get Brexit done, leave the EU on 31 January, and forge a bright future for Scotland and the rest of the UK, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said yesterday.

Mr Jack was speaking after Her Majesty The Queen had delivered a speech which set out the UK Government’s ‘ambitious and optimistic’ legislative agenda for the coming Parliamentary session.

The Scottish Secretary said: “Legislation outlined in the Queen’s Speech will mean we can finally get Brexit done, leave the EU on 31 January and forge a bright future for Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“We will take back control of our fishing waters, introduce a modern, fairer points-based immigration system. We will free our farmers from the bureaucratic Common Agricultural Policy, and move to a system that works for them. We will put the arguments and uncertainty behind us, agree the Prime Minister’s deal, and go on to strike ambitious trade deals around the world.

“Today, the Prime Minister has once again made clear his unwavering commitment to strengthening the Union and bringing all parts of our country together. People in Scotland are fed up with constant political wrangling and wasteful debate. That is why we will not support the First Minister’s plans for another unwanted referendum on separation.

“We will also take steps to improve the environment and keep the UK at the forefront of tackling climate change. The UK Government is bringing world leaders to Glasgow for the COP26 conference next year. It will showcase our advanced renewable sector, give a huge boost to the local economy and have a lasting legacy for our global environment.”

The Tories’ bright new dawn has now been universally welcomed, of course. Scotland’s First Minister yesterday outlined her alternative future for Scotland (see previous blog post) and the Queen’s Speech also came in for criticism from a number of organisations.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady criticised the Queen’s Speech for failing to live up to the promises made to working families during the election. She said: “Working people will want to check the small print before trusting this government’s promises.

“Ministers should be taking action to outlaw hated zero-hours contracts, which trap working families in poverty. And they should get wages rising by empowering workers to negotiate fair pay.

“We know that many in the cabinet are desperate to drive down labour standards. That’s why the government has launched another attack on the democratic right to strike to make it harder for working people to stand up for their rights.

“No more excuses – the new government must improve rights at work and get wages rising to help working families.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit said: “The big question about this UK government is whether it represents continuity or radical change. This was the most ambitious Queen’s Speech we have seen for some years, seeking to signal that the Government has ambitions beyond Brexit with a wide ranging domestic policy agenda.

“But most of the measures relating directly to local government, will be of only academic interest to Scottish councils as funding and social care are devolved and English devolution is, by definition, concerned only with England. On all these issues, local government in England is likely to feel that it is as far as ever from sustainable solutions.

“In Scotland, interest is likely to focus on the broader issues addressed in the Queen’s Speech, Brexit, climate change and a commitment to a constitutional review. Across all these areas, the stage seems set for a constitutional showdown between Westminster and Holyrood.

“It is clear that we are heading for a difficult period with a UK civil service trying to work with trust and integrity for two very different governments. The key rub will be how the Barnett consequential monies for the NHS and other services are used and applied. And where will that leave local government funding.

“It’s essential that local government and its partners be part of that conversation and that whatever constitutional settlement we end up with recognises the importance of autonomous, well-funded local government as a crucial vehicle for delivering on the hopes and aspirations of communities across Scotland.”

 

A tale of two leaders

Johnson’s ‘people’s government’ and Corbyn says sorry

Election fallout continued today as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn issued a public apology to supporters. Corbyn, certainly the most criticised opposition leader (since the last one!) by both hostile media and elements within his own party, announced on Friday morning that he will not fight the next general election as leader but will stay on to oversee an inquiry into what went wrong for the ‘People’s Party’.

The general election delivered a resounding victory for the Conservative Party, who fought a single-issue campaign of ‘Getting Brexit Done’. The voters – at least in England – bought it, and the Tories celebrated their greatest victory since the days of Margaret Thatcher with 365 seats, an overall majority of 35 – a result beyond their most bullish predictions.

On Friday, Boris Johnson – who throughout the general election campaign was criticised for hiding from scrunity (one one occasion, quite literally, in a fridge) told the nation: 

This morning I went to Buckingham Palace and I am forming a new government and on Monday MPs will arrive at Westminster to form a new parliament and I am proud to say that members of our new one nation government – a people’s government – will set out from constituencies that have never returned a Conservative MP for 100 years and yes they will have an overwhelming mandate, from this election, to get Brexit done and we will honour that mandate by Jan 31

And so in this moment of national resolution I want to speak directly to those who made it possible, and to all those who voted for us, for the first time, all those whose pencils may have wavered over the ballot and who heard the voices of their parents and their grandparents whispering anxiously in their ears – I say thank you for the trust you have placed in us and in me and we will work round the clock to repay your trust and to deliver on your priorities with a parliament that works for you.

And then I want to speak also to those who did not vote for us or for me and who wanted and perhaps still want to remain in the EU and I want you to know that we in this one nation conservative government will never ignore your good and positive feelings – of warmth and sympathy towards the other nations of Europe because now is the moment – precisely as we leave the EU – to let those natural feelings find renewed expression in building a new partnership, which is one of the great projects for next year.

And as we work together with the EU as friends and sovereign equals in tackling climate change and terrorism in building academic and scientific cooperation, redoubling our trading relationshipI frankly urge everyone on either side of what after three and a half years after all an increasingly arid argument I urge everyone to find closure and to let the healing begin because I believe – in fact I know, because I have heard it loud and clear from every corner of the country –  that the overwhelming priority of the British people now is that we should focus above all on the NHS, that simple and beautiful idea that represents the best of our country with the biggest ever cash boost: 50,000 more nurses, 40 new hospitals as well as providing better schools, safer streets and in the next few weeks and months we will be bringing forward proposals to transform this country with better infrastructure, better education, better technology.

And if you ask yourselves what is this new government going to do, what is he going to do with his extraordinary majority? I will tell you that is what we are going to do we are going to unite and level up – unite and level up – bringing together the whole of this incredible United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland together, taking us forward unleashing the potential of the whole country delivering opportunity across the entire nation.

And since I know that after five weeks frankly of electioneering this country deserves a break from wrangling, a break from politics, and a permanent break from talking about Brexit.

I want everyone to go about their Christmas preparations happy and secure in the knowledge that here in this people’s government the work is now being stepped up to make 2020 a year of prosperity and growth and hope and to deliver a Parliament that works for the people.

Thank you all very much and happy Christmas.

LABOUR PARTY leader Jeremy Corbyn has issued a public apology to Labour supporters over his party’s heavy defeat in the general election. Writing an open letter in the Sunday Mirror and the Observer today, he acknowledged the party’s failings in the poll and said he accepted his responsibility for it.

‘I will make no bones about it. The election result on Thursday was a body blow for everyone who so desperately needs real change in our country.

To every single person who voted for the Labour Party – everyone who shared the hope that Britain could be a fairer country that works for the many, not the few – I say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

And to the Sunday Mirror and its readers, your support has been such a source of strength. I wanted to unite the country that I love but I’m sorry that we came up short and I take my responsibility for it.

I remain proud of the campaign we fought. I’m proud that no matter how low our opponents went, we refused to join them in the gutter. And I’m proud that our message was one of hope, rather than fear.

Millions of people saw in our manifesto a better future for themselves and their communities. Our policies to protect the NHS, end austerity, invest in every part of our country and tackle inequality, were popular with voters who saw through a ferocious smear and fear campaign against us.

But despite our best efforts, this election was ultimately about Brexit. The Tory campaign, amplified by most of the media, managed to persuade many that only Boris Johnson could “get Brexit done.”

That will soon be exposed for the falsehood it is, but in this election it overpowered our attempt to reach across the divide and bring our country together

We will learn the lessons of this defeat, above all by listening to those lifelong Labour voters who we’ve lost in working class communities. This party exists to represent them. We will earn their trust back.

Make no mistake: Labour is the greatest force for progressive change this country has ever known, and although this wasn’t our moment, our time will come again under new leadership. We will never give up on the commitment and determination to build a fairer and more decent society.

Elections always result in winners and losers. Only time will tell if the biggest losers after this bruising battle could be those who still believe in a United Kingdom.

Scotland’s largest pro-EU campaign organisation urges voters to back best-placed Remainers in General Election

The European Movement in Scotland, the country’s leading pro-EU campaigning organisation, has urged voters to back election candidates who support remaining in the EU and with the best chance of winning when they go to the polls in Thursday’s General Election. Continue reading Scotland’s largest pro-EU campaign organisation urges voters to back best-placed Remainers in General Election

Voters in Ochil & South Perthshire are 33 TIMES MORE POWERFUL than the rest of the UK

People living in Ochil & South Perthshire will wield 33 times more power in this General Election than those in the rest of the country, according to new analysis published this week. Continue reading Voters in Ochil & South Perthshire are 33 TIMES MORE POWERFUL than the rest of the UK