Oral Answers to Questions

Marion Fellows Excerpts

Monday 29th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

4. What assessment he has made of the effect on Scotland of ending free movement of people with the EU.

[Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)]

7. What assessment he has made of the effect on Scotland of ending free movement of people with the EU.

[The Minister for Immigration (Caroline Nokes)]

After the UK leaves the EU, free movement will end. In a recent report, the Independent Migration Advisory Committee concluded that the economic impacts of EU migration had been “relatively small”, with “limited regional variation”. As we leave the EU, we will create a single global immigration system that works in the interests of the whole United Kingdom.

[Caroline Nokes]

We have been very clear that employers should take all possible steps to reduce their reliance on low-skilled migrant labour. The MAC does have serious concerns, however, about the social care sector and is clear that this sector needs a policy wider than just migration policy to fix its many problems. The MAC report has given us some sound advice, but the Home Office continues to discuss with all sectors, with business leaders and indeed with the devolved Governments so that we can come forward with an immigration policy that works for the whole country.

[Marion Fellows]

As someone who has recently been the beneficiary of care and care support, I would refute what the Minister has just said. Scottish Government analysis published in February estimates that real GDP in Scotland will be 4.5% lower by 2040 than it would otherwise have been, as a result of lower migration. Does the Minister agree that this is why immigration powers must be devolved to Scotland, so that Scotland can create a system that is fair and that meets our needs and values?