Oral Answers to Questions

John Nicolson Excerpts

Monday 23rd January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh East) (SNP)]

1. If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of applying different immigration rules to Scotland and other constituent parts of the UK.

[John Nicolson (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

10. If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of applying different immigration rules to Scotland and other constituent parts of the UK.

[Stephen Gethins (North East Fife) (SNP)]

11. If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of applying different immigration rules to Scotland and other constituent parts of the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Amber Rudd]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman shares my view that any policy changes should be informed by the facts and by assessments, which is why we consulted the Migration Advisory Committee to look at regional issues, and it was unequivocal in its conclusions. I urge him to look at its report.

[John Nicolson]

Does the Secretary of State not understand that Scotland needs more immigrants? Given that, why does she not give us the power to choose our own targets, for our own needs, for our own country?

[Amber Rudd]

The hon. Gentleman must surely share my view that Scotland has sufficient powers; it has its own powers to do many things—perhaps to improve its education system and its health system. Immigrants will come to a place where they see an improving education system and an improving health system. Perhaps the Scottish National party should spend a little more time applying itself to those important issues, rather than constitutional ones.