TORY MSP MUST BACK PROGRESSIVE VISA PLAN FOR MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN

​PRESSURE ON UK GOVT AS STAKEHOLDERS BACK SCOTTISH VISA PLAN
 
SNP MSP for Midlothian and East Lothian has challenged local Tory MSP, Jeremy Balfour, to urgently back proposals for a new Scottish Visa after Westminster dismissed the plans out-of-hand, stating that “immigration will remain a reserved matter”. 
 
A range of stakeholder groups have backed the Scottish Government’s plan for a devolved Scottish visa system – piling pressure on the UK government to engage seriously with the proposals.
 
Support for the proposals include the Federation of Small Businesses, the National Farmers Union Scotland, and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“The Tories will only do the bare minimum when it comes to Scotland – putting the narrow interests of their party above support for Midlothian and East Lothian businesses and communities, and showing contempt to the people of Scotland whilst ‘refusing to allow’ us to choose our own future.
 
“The Home Office dismissive attitude to the Scottish Government’s forward-looking plan for a devolved Scottish visa system could not be a clearer warning for anyone expecting anything different.
 
“This is yet another example of the need for decisions over the future of Scotland to be taken here in Scotland - not by arrogant, out-of-touch Westminster governments that we didn’t vote for.
 
“The one-size-fits-all approach by the UK government simply doesn’t work for Scotland.
 
“Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour must urgently get behind these progressive plans for migration – to ensure that Midlothian and East Lothian remain some of the best places to live and work, and our economy is ready to meet future challenges and seize future opportunities.”