International Migrants to Scotland

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 13 December 2016.

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Photo of Rachael Hamilton Rachael Hamilton Conservative

I have mentioned the social and cultural diversity that migrants bring to our country. I have defined the skills shortage as an issue, and the population growth within Scotland, but I am not in any way, shape or form saying that I do not value migrants in other senses.

I do not know where I am now.

The Scottish Government must set out its requirements in a rational immigration system in which people are matched to skills. Gathering sectoral data is essential for workforce planning. The Scottish Government must concentrate on growing the economy. There will not be jobs to fill if our economy does not grow, and productivity will stay static.

I believe that a solution to that is the skilling up of our workforce. That is investing in the future of this country. It is ensuring that measures are in place that will guarantee that all sectors and industries will not suffer from labour shortages. It is promoting what Scotland has to offer and giving those opportunities to make life better. To do that, the SNP Government first has to acknowledge the issues that are prevalent in Scotland’s workforce and seek to resolve them, and not, as is all too often the case, claim that the Scottish Government is powerless to do anything.