Migration

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 14 November 2017.

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Photo of Alexander Stewart Alexander Stewart Conservative

I am delighted to take part in this debate on migration. The Scottish Conservatives value the significant contribution that migrants make to Scotland in our economy, our culture and our everyday lives. That great contribution should be at the forefront of our minds as we consider the options for managing migration as we leave the EU.

The vote to leave the European Union last year was not a vote against migration, but rather a vote for controlled migration. It is paramount for the future success of Scotland and the rest of the UK that we continue to welcome individuals to our economy: our health sector and our hospitality and tourism sector need those individuals and we know that. However, we need to ensure that the future system welcomes the best and the brightest from the whole world and not from one single continent. We should welcome migrants based on their skills and what they have to contribute to our nation, not on where they come from.

To those from the EU who already live and work here, the message is clear: we want you to stay. The Prime Minister has given her assurances that the right to remain will be offered to all EU nationals who have chosen to make the UK their home.