Devolution of Immigration: Scottish Government

Exiting the European Union – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 October 2016.

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Photo of John Nicolson John Nicolson Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport) 12:00, 20 October 2016

If he will devolve control over immigration to the Scottish Government as part of his negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

Photo of David Jones David Jones Minister of State (Department for Exiting the European Union)

Immigration is a reserved matter. However, we are working closely with the Scottish Government and we will get the best possible deal for all parts of the United Kingdom as we leave the EU. We will give the Scottish Government every opportunity to have their say as we develop the negotiating strategy.

Photo of John Nicolson John Nicolson Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport)

During the European Union referendum, the former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove, said that Scotland could decide its own immigration policy in the event of Brexit. Was that proposal defenestrated at the same time as the former Minister?

Photo of David Jones David Jones Minister of State (Department for Exiting the European Union)

As I have indicated, immigration is a reserved matter, but as I have also indicated, we will continue to have discussions with all the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Government, and there will in due course, as the matter develops, be discussions about where powers should lie.