Tag: Politics

Missing EU already?

FIRST MINISTER: ‘We’ve never needed EU more’

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has emphasised Scotland’s shared values with the European Union during a series of engagements in Brussels.

Speaking to an audience including EU diplomats at the European Policy Centre, she said that Scotland’s task now that membership of the EU had ended was to find a voice as an independent nation which could take its place on the world stage.

In the meantime, the Scottish Government will use its devolved powers to maintain, as far as it is able, the closest possible ties with the EU, while working towards independence.

Earlier the First Minister met EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to discuss  the UK/EU talks, which are due to begin next month. She also spoke to EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager about the EU’s Green Deal and the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the dynamics of digitisation and Artificial Intelligence.

The First Minister said: “It was already clear, and it has been reaffirmed to me in the constructive meetings I’ve held today, that there is genuine goodwill in the EU towards Scotland.

“We are leaving the EU at a time when we have never benefited from it more, and when we have never needed it more to achieve our ambitions.

“On this visit to Brussels I have made clear how important it is for Scotland to remain close to the EU.”

It’s difficult to see what more Scotland can do to ‘remain close’ to the EU. The Scottish government’s position on Europe is clear, but unless we become an independent country we will remain on the outside.

And while we await another independence referendum, there is an increasing clamour for the Scottish government to concentrate on the ‘day job’. Domestic problems are mounting, the government’s competence is under increasing scrutiny and Scottish Parliament elections are on the horizon. These are tough times for the First Minister – and they can only get tougher.

The First Minister’s full speech to the European Policy Centre is available on the Scottish Government website.

MSPs Welcome Further Protections for Animals and Wildlife

Greater protections to strengthen the health and welfare of animals and wildlife in Scotland have been supported in a report issued yesterday by Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

Key provisions within the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill are:

• The increase of maximum penalties for animal welfare and wildlife crime offences to five years in prison
• The creation of fixed penalty notices for minor offences
• Removal of the requirement for court orders for rehoming animals.
• Increased protection for service animals (Finn’s Law) through the removal of the defence of self-defence.

Whilst considering the Bill, the Committee raised concerns about the lack of a central registration system to facilitate information sharing between authorities and agencies in relation, for example, to previous convictions.

Committee Convener, Gillian Martin MSP, (above) said: “We have explored the proposed penalties along with the powers given to those authorised to take animals into possession on welfare grounds. The Bill was widely welcomed but we believed more could be done.

“We recognise the tight focus of the Bill but we’re also in no doubt that it goes a long way to improving animal and wildlife protections in Scotland. When implemented, there should be greater co-operation, greater resourcing and greater awareness of the issues involved. The health and welfare of our animals and wildlife will be significantly improved.”

Additional recommendations made within the report include:

• That the options for enhanced detection and prosecution by expanding the powers of the SSPCA be explored
• That impact statements should be used as a matter of standard practise
• That the Scottish Government works with the Crown Office to provide more clarity and guidance about vicarious liability

See below for copy of the Committee report:

ECCLRS0520R1 (003)

Budget overshadowed by Mackay scandal

Investing in vital public services and ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change are at the heart of the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans for the year ahead, according to the Scottish government – but critics say the budget is another wasted opportunity and will mean yet more cuts to public services.

Yesterday’s budget was completely overshadowed by the shock resignation of Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, who left office just hours before the budget was due to be presented following a newspaper expose.

Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes stepped in to deliver the budget.

Setting out the Scottish Budget 2020-21, Ms Forbes announced a package of funding to accelerate Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy, including £1.8 billion of investment in low carbon infrastructure which will help reduce emissions.

She also announced a record investment of £15 billion in health and care services and £645 million for the expansion of early learning and childcare.

The Scottish Budget 2020-21 also proposes:

  • £117 million investment in mental health for all ages and stages of life
  • £180 million to raise attainment in schools
  • an above real-terms increase of £37 million to the police budget and an additional £6.5 million to support community justice to reduce re-offending
  • £220 million of seed funding for the Scottish National Investment Bank to support its mission to drive the transition to a net-zero economy
  • increased investment of £270 million in rail services and an additional £16 million in concessionary travel and bus services, taking total investment in rail and bus services to around £1.55 billion
  • increased investment of £5.5 million in active travel
  • £20 million for peatland restoration with a commitment to invest more than £250 million over 10 years
  • Investment of more than £64 million to support the commitment to plant 12,000 hectares of forestry, with the aim to reach 15,000 hectares by the mid-2020s
  • a new £120 million Heat Transition Deal and a total investment of £151 million in energy efficiency
  • £40 million for an Agricultural Transformation Programme
  • a 3% pay uplift for public sector workers earning up to £80,000

Ms Forbes said: “The global climate emergency is at the centre of our Programme for Government and we have already put in place the most ambitious climate legislation and targets of any country. This Budget will help deliver on that world-leading ambition.

“From increased investment in low carbon transport to funding for peatland restoration and forestry, this Budget sets out our spending plans to help us deliver the transformation we need across society to transition to net-zero.

“We have also put wellbeing firmly at the heart of this Budget to benefit as many people as possible across the country. We will do this through prioritising inclusive economic growth with the creation of high quality jobs, supporting our public services and tackling inequalities head on.

“We estimate that we are investing at least £1.4 billion to support low-income households, mitigating the worst effects of the UK Government’s benefit cuts which are hitting the poorest in society and our Scottish Child Payment will help lift 30,000 children out of poverty when it is fully rolled out in 2022.

“I urge the Parliament to work constructively with us to pass this Budget in the national interest.”

The budget has come in for criticism, however.

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “This budget is long on promise but falls short on delivery. Positioning the budget as building the well-being economy is to be welcomed but far more was required to make that a reality.

“There is no doubt that the UK Government’s approach to Budget setting has left the Scottish Government in a difficult position. But to tackle the ‘crippling reality of austerity’ requires investment in decent local services. At best the budget provides only half of what local councils say they desperately need.

“We welcome the freezing of the higher rate tax threshold but much more is needed on redistributive taxation if the well-being economy is to be achieved.

“The Scottish government has missed an opportunity to commit to building the homes for social rent desperately needed in Scotland. By the next budget, it will be too late and local authorities and housing associations will have downed tools, without the funding to continue to build more homes for social rent. It is also disappointing that there are minimal new financial commitments in social security.

“On pay we are pleased that the government has listened to unions and extended the 3% pay increase to those earning over £40k per year, however we are a long way short of the much-needed restoration on public service pay to pre-austerity levels.

“While there are some new measures to tackle climate change, the funding levels proposed are still not sufficient to tackle the climate emergency.

“Given the failure over a number of years to create the new green jobs once promised, it is crucial that new funding comes with new jobs and does not simply provide cash handouts to big business and landowners.

“To be worthy of the name of a Green New Deal would require a publicly led and planned approach to decarbonisation involving publicly-owned companies, something this Budget fails to do.”

Jim McCormack, Associate Director of Joseph Rowntree Foundation Scotland, said: “This Budget was an opportunity to show the Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver on tackling poverty, yet today’s statement falls short of the mark.

“It cannot be right that one in four children in Scotland have their lives restricted by poverty. At the start of the decade in which all parties have pledged to solve child poverty, we welcome the financial commitment to introduce the Scottish Child Payment. But we know this won’t be enough to turn the tide: Scotland is not on track to meet the ambitious targets set for 2023-24.

“Scotland’s lower levels of child poverty compared with the rest of the UK are due to lower housing costs. If this advantage is to be maintained then the affordable homes programme needs to be continued beyond 2021. Now is the time to commit to further investment in secure, affordable homes for those facing rising rents and stuck in temporary accommodation.

“In-work poverty is a pressing economic challenge for families. Two-thirds of children in poverty are in families where an adult is working. The new Parental Employment Support Fund is too small to meet the scale of the challenge and only runs for two years. Investment should be increased and extended to benefit more families for longer.”

COSLA said it was disappointed that once again the Scottish Government has presented a Budget for Local Government that looks much better than the reality behind the figures.

Speaking this afternoon following the Scottish Government’s (Thursday) Budget announcement, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “On the face of it this looks like a good Budget for Local Government with a cash increase of £495million and whilst we acknowledge this money, the reality behind this figure unfortunately is quite different.

“What we are left with when you factor in the Scottish Government commitments of £590million – is a cut to Local Government core budgets of £95 million. This is £95 million in hard cash that will need to be taken out of front line services for communities. We campaigned hard to ensure that this position did not happen – it is disappointing our message has not been listened to.

“When you add in a £117million cut to capital funding (which equates to a 17% cash cut) – a hit to both communities and growing the economy you are left with a crisis for Local Government which is a long way from the picture being painted. This is even worse when seen in the context of an increasing Budget for the Scottish Government.

COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison added: “Local Government’s core budget which provides our essential services has been cut as a result of today’s budget. A cut of a significant proportion is the Budget Reality that our Communities now face – a cut to services, a cut to local jobs, a cut to the work councils do to tackle child poverty and respond to climate change.”

“In addition to the cuts – it is also extremely disappointing that we have seen no money for inflation or any other of the significant pressures we face, such as restoration for cuts to our funding in previous years. COSLA will be raising these issues with the Scottish Government and all parties across the Parliament at the earliest opportunity to ensure this picture is rectified as part of the budget scrutiny process. It is our communities and the priorities of tacking child poverty, wellbeing, climate change and inclusive growth that will suffer.

“Things cannot go on in this manner. I am really concerned that more and more of what Local Government does is directed by the centre. As a result of the Scottish Government commitments that Local Government has to deliver we are no longer able to respond to local priorities.”

The Scottish Government argues that the budget offers a real terms increase for local government, hower. Cabinet Secretary for Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “This budget provides a fair settlement for our partners in local government and supports vital public services across Scotland.

“Taken together with the flexibility to increase council tax, this local government settlement gives councils an increase of revenue spending of up to 4.3% in real terms to deliver local services.

“The settlement will deliver on our joint key commitment to expand the funded hours of early learning and childcare this year, funds a fair pay deal for our teachers, and invests more than £120 million targeted at closing the attainment gap through the Pupil Equity Fund.

“This increased settlement will ensure fair, sustainable funding for local authorities.”

 

Democracy Isn’t Working

A report by the Centre for the Future of Democracy, a new research unit at the University of Cambridge, showed that 60.3 per cent of people in Britain said they were dissatisfied with the way democracy was working.

The report suggested that Britain’s outdated First Past the Post voting system and majoritarian style of democracy was responsible for increasing polarisation forcing citizens into opposing tribes and making voters less likely to accept the mandate of rival political parties.

The research comes following a General Election that saw the Conservatives gain a majority of seats with a minority of the vote and saw the views of 14.5 million voters (45%) go unrepresented according to ERS analysis.

The Society also called for the Government’s proposed Democracy Commission to be citizen-led and to ‘genuinely get to grips with Britain’s democratic crisis’.

Willie Sullivan, Senior Director (Campaigns), Electoral Reform Society said: “This report showing falling support for democracy is truly worrying, yet it should come as no surprise. For too long politicians of all parties have been ignoring the cracks in our political system and failing to take the actions needed to shore up the crumbling foundations of our democratic structures.

“From continuing to pack the Lords with party cronies and ex-MPs to failing to take action to address our outdated campaign rules for too long politicians have failed to step up and begin to repair the damage done to our broken politics.

“Only serious structural reform can begin to repair this lack of faith in our democracy, a proportional voting system for the Commons and a fairly elected second chamber representing all nations and regions of the UK will give people a voice.  But we also need to do more and build into the system space for ordinary citizens to take part. The Citizens Assembly of Scotland and the similar process that took place in Ireland recently can show us how.

“Citizens are right, our institutions are broken. Now it’s up to those in power to take the urgent action needed to fix them.”

DemocracyReport2020

Mackay to deliver ‘Green Budget’

Scottish Budget to prioritise the climate emergency

Tackling the global climate emergency will be at the heart of the Scottish Budget this week. Speaking ahead of the budget, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “This week I will set out the Scottish Government’s spending plans for the year ahead.

“The global climate emergency was at the centre of our Programme for Government and will be a priority theme in the budget this week.

“We have already put in place the most ambitious climate legislation and targets of any country including decarbonising Scotland’s railways by 2035 and making the Highlands and Islands the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040.

“This budget will set out how our spending plans and investments will help us achieve these ambitions.

“We will also provide certainty for local government and vital public services. Despite the delay to the UK Government announcing its budget, we will confirm individual local authority funding allocations, having already announced that we are giving them the flexibility to increase their council tax levels by up to 3% in real terms.

“We will not stand by while the UK Government’s benefit cuts are hitting the poorest in Scotland so we will continue to mitigate the worst effects of these cuts to support low income households and tackle child poverty head on.

“I am focused on delivering a budget that promotes inclusive economic growth and puts wellbeing at the heart of our economic strategy to ensure as many people as possible across the country benefit.

“However, as we set out our spending priorities for the year, Brexit remains the biggest threat to our economy and the risk of a ‘no deal’ Brexit is still on the table with the UK Government ruling out any extension to the transition period.

“In a period of great uncertainty caused by Brexit, the national interest demands that the Scottish Parliament passes this budget in good order, and I urge all parties to work constructively to ensure that happens.”

Brexit Day: Prime Minister addresses the nation

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation last night as the UK finally left the European Union:

Tonight we are leaving the European Union

For many people this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come

And there are many of course who feel a sense of anxiety and loss

And then of course there is a third group – perhaps the biggest – who had started to worry that the whole political wrangle would never come to an end

I understand all those feelings, and our job as the government – my job – is to bring this country together now and take us forward

And the most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning

This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama

And yes it is partly about using these new powers – this recaptured sovereignty – to deliver the changes people voted for

Whether that is by controlling immigration or creating freeports or liberating our fishing industry or doing free trade deals

Or simply making our laws and rules for the benefit of the people of this country

And of course I think that is the right and healthy and democratic thing to do

Because for all its strengths and for all its admirable qualities, the EU has evolved over 50 years in a direction that no longer suits this country

And that is a judgment that you, the people, have now confirmed at the polls

Not once but twice

And yet this moment is far bigger than that

It is not just about some legal extrication

It is potentially a moment of real national renewal and change

This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances – your family’s life chances – should depend on which part of the country you grow up in

This is the moment when we really begin to unite and level up

Defeating crime, transforming our NHS, and with better education, with superb technology

And with the biggest revival of our infrastructure since the Victorians

We will spread hope and opportunity to every part of the UK

And if we can get this right I believe that with every month that goes by we will grow in confidence not just at home but abroad

And in our diplomacy, in our fight against climate change,

In our campaigns for human rights or female education or free trade we will rediscover muscles that we have not used for decades

The power of independent thought and action

Not because we want to detract from anything done by our EU friends – of course not

We want this to be the beginning of a new era of friendly cooperation

Between the EU and an energetic Britain.

A Britain that is simultaneously a great European power

And truly global in our range and ambitions

And when I look at this country’s incredible assets

Our scientists, our engineers, our world-leading universities, our armed forces

When I look at the potential of this country waiting to be unleashed

I know that we can turn this opportunity into a stunning success

And whatever the bumps in the road ahead

I know that we will succeed

We have obeyed the people

We have taken back the tools of self-government

Now is the time to use those tools to unleash the full potential of this brilliant country and to make better the lives of everyone in every corner of our United Kingdom.

Brexit: ‘Leave a light on for Scotland’

A flurry of activities signalling the Scottish Government’s desire to remain close to the European Union were undertaken yesterday, Friday 31 January, as Scotland was taken out of the EU ‘without its consent’.

The First Minister wrote an open letter to Europe, which will be published across the EU:

Letter from Nicola Sturgeon to Europe regarding the UK leaving the European Union.

Published: 31 Jan 2020
First Minister’s letter to Europe: 31 January 2020

Dear  European friends and neighbours

The UK is leaving the European Union this evening. Those are words I had hoped never to have to write. Not least because an overwhelming majority of people in Scotland did not vote for this. 

Scotland is a proud European nation and I profoundly regret the UK’s decision to leave. The European Union has brought together like-minded, independent nations on equal terms to work together for the mutual benefit of all our citizens.

These benefits, including being part of a single market of more than 500 million people, have been well rehearsed in economic terms. But today is not about numbers – it is about people.

Scotland is home to more than 230,000 EU citizens, who are welcome in Scotland as our friends and family. These are people who contribute to Scotland’s vibrant cultural diversity, who save lives in our health service, who teach our children and who have built homes and businesses across the country.

From the very start of the Brexit process I have been clear that Scotland remains their home and they are welcome to stay. Likewise, many thousands of Scots have made their home in countries across Europe and I am grateful for the warm welcome they continue to receive.

Scotland may lie on the edge of Europe, but we have always been – and want to remain – at its heart. Scots have benefitted hugely from being able to live, work and travel in the rest of the European Union.  The links between the people of Scotland and nations across the European Union run deep. 

I believe that Scotland has the right to choose its own future and that the best option for Scotland is to be an independent country, in the EU. In the meantime we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of Europe around our shared values and interests.

The UK’s exit from the EU may be marked with celebrations by some in other parts of the UK, but I am writing to you today – a very symbolic day – to send a strong message of solidarity, and of hope, to our European friends and neighbours. Scotland very much hopes to resume our membership of the European Union in the future, as an equal member.

It would mean a great deal for the people of Scotland to know that our European friends stand in solidarity with us at this time.

Please leave a light on for Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister of Scotland

Cabinet Secretary for Constitutional Relations Michael Russell, who is delivering a statement on Brexit in the Scottish Parliament today, will attended a European Movement event in Edinburgh.

He urged Europe to #LeaveALightOn for Scotland, until the country can determine its own future.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and the External Affairs Fiona Hyslop chaired a meeting of European consular corps in Edinburgh and went on to attend a meeting at the French Institute in Edinburgh to discuss future collaborations and common interests.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman issued a letter of thanks and reassurance to EU nationals working in the health and social care services.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Dundee University to meet with EU students.

Two Scottish Government buildings in Edinburgh, St Andrew’s House and Victoria Quay, were lit in the blue and yellow colours of the European flag and the European flag was flown at St Andrew’s House and Victoria Quay, as well as at Scotland House in Brussels.

Mr Russell said: “For the majority of Scotland, this is not a day of celebration, it is a day for the sad and sombre acknowledgement that Scotland is being forced to leave the European Union against its will.

“Therefore it is fitting to mark the occasion, and to reassert our desire to stand shoulder to shoulder with our European friends around our many shared values and interests in the future.

“We believe Scotland has the right to choose its own future and that the best option for this country is to be independent, within the European Union.

“Until that day comes, we ask that Europe leave a light on for Scotland.”

As the UK prepared to leave the European Union, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman wrote to all EU nationals working in Scotland’s health and social care services to thank them for the work they do and to stress that they are welcome in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has produced a package of support to help EU citizens stay in Scotland, including £250,000 to fund community based support across Scotland and a national support and advice service for all citizens in Scotland affected by the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme.

Ms Freeman said: “I know many EU citizens living and working in Scotland are feeling increasingly uncertain now that Brexit is upon us and many will share the sadness I feel that Scotland is being taken out of the EU against our wishes.

“I am fortunate that almost every day I get to see the hard work and dedication of our NHS and care staff; staff born and raised in Scotland, staff from elsewhere in the UK and staff from around the world. Our EU staff play a vital role in all of that and I am truly grateful for the work that you do.

“While the uncertainty around the UK’s future relationship with the EU will go on for some time, I want to reassure you that protecting your rights continues to be a top priority for me and for the Scottish Government.

“My message to everyone from the EU who lives and works here is Scotland is your home, you are our family, and we’d be privileged if you would stay here with us.”

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop has launched a document, explaining how Scotland will continue to work with the EU over the next five years, despite Brexit.

She will chair a diplomatic meeting of Scotland’s Consular Corps in Edinburgh and explain how Scotland will contribute to the EU’s priorities.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland is being taken out of the EU against its democratic will – but the Scottish Government is determined that our nation remains at the heart of Europe.

“Brexit will unfortunately change how Scotland engages, but it will not change the EU’s importance to Scotland, nor our commitment to it. We will continue to collaborate across a wide range of issues, reflecting our shared values and goals.

“The Scottish Government believes the best option for Scotland is to become an independent country within the European Union. Whatever our constitutional future, Scotland will remain an outward facing, constructive nation, working closely with our European partners.”

The document sets out four shared priorities for the European Union and for Scotland:

• to embody progressive, democratic values on the world stage

• to rise to the global challenges of climate change

• to actively promote the wellbeing of all society

• to create smart economies through use of new technology

See the full document below:

The European Union’s Strategic Agenda for 2020-24: Scotland’s Perspective

https://twitter.com/i/status/1223380437231226880

Missing EU already?

Pro EU group in Scotland marks Brexit Day with commitment to EU

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), Scotland’s oldest dedicated pro-European campaigning organization, and Edinburgh4Europe are organizing/participating in two key events in Edinburgh to mark the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union tomorrow (Friday 31st January).

Events

2:30 PM — conference and gathering – How can Scotland keep her rightful place within Europe and the European Union? (NO CAMERAS) 

Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL

This event will provide media with access to a key discussion on how pro-European Scotland can proceed now. There will be opportunities to speak with interested members of the public including those from other EU states alongside better-known speakers.

Speakers to include:

  • Mike Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations
  • Mark Lazarowicz, Chair, European Movement in Scotland
  • Mhairi Snowden, Human Rights Consortium, Scotland
  • Mark Diffley, Consultant, Analysing Public Opinion
  • Dr Benjamin Martill, Brexit and Security, Centre on Constitutional Change
  • Dr Kirsty Hughes, Director, Scottish Centre on European Relations.

From 6 PM – Gathering to protest against withdrawal from EU, as part of Missing EU Already event 

Location: Scottish Parliament forecourt and green space (opposite Holyrood Palace), Edinburgh.

This event, in conjunction with the Missing EU Already event, will include speakers chosen by Edinburgh4Europe alongside a lights’ ceremony at 11 PM to show Scotland’s continued commitment to the EU.

The event will provide media with a visual manifestation of Scotland’s commitment to Europe in front of the home of Scottish democracy, a thoughtful, reflective and defiant programme in contrast to the triumphalism that may be on display elsewhere.

There will be opportunities to speak with members of the crowd who have come from far and wide, including other European countries, to show support for Scotland as we recommit to our European future.

Speakers to include:

  • David Clarke, EMiS Vice Chairman
  • Lorna Slater, Co-convenor Green Party
  • Andrew Wilson, EUSA President)
  • Richard Milne, activist, Fringe performer, senior lecturer at Edinburgh University
  • Dominic McGinley, EMiS, Fife4Europe
  • Ailie Ross-Oliver, Our Future Our Choice

Further events by EMiS will also take place in Glasgow, Perth, Dumfries and Stirling.

Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland, said: “Leaving the European Union is an incredibly sad event and this series of activities provides an opportunity to not only celebrate our membership and the great benefits it has given us, but also to look to the future.

“While we may have left, the fight now begins for us to rejoin the EU, and that fight starts now.”

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/.‬

Who Cares? Tory concern over hard to fill job vacancies

The Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) published new figures on the levels of staff vacancies in Scotland’s social care services yesterday.

Edinburgh has the highest percentage, 57%, of services reporting that vacancies are hard to fill and almost half of posts unfilled 49%.

West Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh have all shown an increase in the number of vacancy rates with East Lothian dropping slightly to 32%. 

Latest figures show West Lothian had 78 vacancies, 35%, Midlothian had 47 vacancies, 40%, and Edinburgh had the highest number of vacancies in Scotland 334, 49%.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This report highlights the ongoing challenges of recruitment in Social Care and is another example of SNP Ministers’ terrible record on workforce planning.

“The continued high rate of vacancies for social care makes if very difficult to see improvement to services.

“Issues such as delayed discharge in hospitals and shortages in adult care homes are not going to be fixed until recruitment of staff is resolved.

“Edinburgh and the Lothians have particularly high vacancies for Social Care staff and have higher than average services struggling to fill posts.”

The report comes as the Scottish Government launches a new campaign to promote careers in adult social care ‘There’s More To Care Than Caring’.

The staff vacancies report provides a national overview of vacancy levels and recruitment difficulties reported by care services registered with the Care Inspectorate. It also includes data on the actual number of vacancies services have, which is held by the SSSC.

In the past year, 38% of services reported having vacancies, which is unchanged from the previous year.

However, care homes for adults, care homes for older people, housing support services, care at home services, nurse agencies and residential special schools all had a proportion of services with vacancies significantly above the national average for all care services.

Daycare of children and adoption services were significantly below the national average for all care services reporting vacancies.

At 31 December 2018, the rate of WTE vacancies for all services in Scotland was 5.5%, down from 5.9% in 2017. This was higher than the overall vacancy rate across all establishments in Scotland of 3.1%.

Lorraine Gray, Chief Executive of the SSSC said: “A vital consideration when looking at vacancies in care services is making sure that social care attracts people with the right values, skills and experience to work in the sector.

“We’ve worked with Scottish Government on the adult social care recruitment campaign, launched today, which aims not only to encourage more people to consider a career in care but also emphasises the values you need.

“The social service workforce is growing, there are more than 200,000 people working in the sector, which is almost 8% of all employment in Scotland, so there are lots of opportunities and different types of roles.

“It’s a fulfilling and rewarding career which gives you the opportunity to work towards qualifications as part of a professional workforce making a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Peter Macleod, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate said: “We know that an effective and stable staff team is important for providing the world class care everyone wants to see.

“It allows trusting relationships to be developed between people providing and experiencing care, often supporting positive experiences and outcomes.

“The Care Inspectorate recognises that recruitment and retention into some parts of the social care sector remains a challenge, and we collect significant data about the places and parts of the sector where recruitment problems are more challenging.

“This report has been prepared to provide a national overview of the vacancy levels and recruitment difficulties reported by care services in their Care Inspectorate annual returns.

“We know, of course, that numbers do not tell the whole story. The skills, experiences, and values of social care staff are just as critical as the right number of staff being employed.

“However, going forward we expect to see more innovative solutions embraced by care providers and commissioners, as well as increased partnership working between social care services, local authorities and other key partners to ensure that the underlying issues around filling problem vacancies can be addressed.”

Every care service is asked to complete an annual return every year to provide statistical and other information. The vacancy questions are asked for every care service type apart from childminders, who are typically sole providers.

Staff vacancies in care services 2018