Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Scottish Visa Scheme 2024-10-21

2024-10-21

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Pete Wishart SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
▸ Context
The Scottish National Party is pushing for the devolution of power to introduce a visa scheme specific to Scotland. This proposal aims to address unique demographic challenges.
What discussions has she had with the Scottish Government on the potential merits of devolving the power to introduce a Scottish visa scheme?
Seema Malhotra
We are not introducing a Scottish visa scheme or devolving control of immigration policy, and this has been made clear to the Scottish Government. Instead, we must address skills shortages and overseas recruitment across the UK.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Pete Wishart SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
▸ Context
Scotland faces demographic challenges, including depopulation in some areas and overpopulation in others. The Scottish Government is calling for urgent action on immigration.
Given that Scotland has a range of demographic issues affecting every sector from social care to hospitality, why does she not work with us to see if a devolved visa scheme might actually work?
Seema Malhotra
Net migration must come down, which trebled under the last government. Immigration is a reserved matter and previous schemes have succeeded only in restricting movement and rights, creating internal UK borders.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Working with Scottish Government on devolved visa scheme
Adding Different Rules For Different Locations Would Increase Complexity
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Chris Murray Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
▸ Context
Scotland faces demographic challenges, with some areas experiencing depopulation while others see population growth. The current Scottish Government's strategy has not adequately addressed these issues.
Given the diverse demographics in Scotland and the unique challenges faced by East Lothian, will she commit to working constructively with the Scottish Government on their woeful population strategy?
Seema Malhotra
We are committed to working with the Scottish Government. Many levers to address depopulation in Scotland are already within their powers, and we must tackle issues together through investment in jobs, infrastructure, and public services.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to work constructively on population strategy
Committed To Working With The Scottish Government But No Specific Actions
Response accuracy