Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

“Migration: Helping Scotland Prosper”

Monday 10 February 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Stephen Flynn asks about the possibility of the Scottish Government adopting a regional visa approach similar to Australia's, citing the growing population due to migration.
  • Joanna Cherry questions the government's claim that a separate Scottish visa system would necessitate a hard border with England, citing countries with open borders and distinct systems.
  • David Duguid seeks confirmation that the Government will collaborate with Scottish Members, including those from the SNP, to ensure a migration system beneficial to Scotland within the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Flynn SNP South Edinburgh
Immigration Scotland
Context

Scottish Government published a report suggesting immigration policies that could help Scotland's economy. The UK government is considering the feasibility of different immigration rules for various regions.

Question

Stephen Flynn asks if discussions will be held with the Scottish Government regarding their recent report on immigration and whether the Australian regional visa approach would benefit Scotland, given its growing population due to migration.

Answer from Kevin Foster (Minister of State for Immigration)

The independent Migration Advisory Committee has advised against applying different immigration arrangements to various areas in the UK, citing potential complications. The government aims to create a points-based system that benefits all regions, including Scotland.

Answered
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Q2 Joanna Cherry SNP Central Edinburgh
Immigration Scotland
Context

Several countries have regional immigration systems without internal borders. Joanna Cherry questions the rationale behind the Prime Minister's claim that a distinct Scottish visa system would necessitate a hard border.

Question

Joanna Cherry inquires about the rationale for claiming a distinct Scottish visa system would require a hard border between Scotland and England, citing examples of countries with open land borders operating independent systems.

Answer from Kevin Foster (Minister of State for Immigration)

The Migration Advisory Committee has advised against this approach due to potential complexity. The government aims to create a system that works for Scotland within the UK, not one driven by separatist agendas.

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Q3 David Duguid Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Immigration Scotland
Context

The government plans to design a new global immigration system that works for all UK regions. David Duguid asks if this includes Scotland and confirms the rights of SNP members in these discussions.

Question

David Duguid seeks confirmation that the Government will work with Members from across Scotland, including those on the SNP benches, to ensure a migration system that benefits Scotland within the United Kingdom.

Answer from Kevin Foster (Minister of State for Immigration)

Yes, we will work with interest groups across Scotland to ensure a points-based migration system benefits Scotland within the United Kingdom. This approach focuses on success and not separatist agendas.

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