The Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish Greens have called for increased immigration to Scotland during a debate at Holyrood, arguing that more migrants are needed to address population decline and boost the economy. The SNP's blueprint for an independent Scotland, released earlier this year, proposed reintroducing freedom of movement and creating visa schemes to attract workers to rural areas.
The Social Justice and Fairness Commission, set up by Nicola Sturgeon in 2019, recommended looser immigration rules, including allowing asylum seekers to work and establishing an independent agency to adjudicate on asylum applications. The report stated that 'new Scots are needed for Scotland to flourish' and criticised UK policies for clamping down on freedom of movement.
However, opposition parties have accused the SNP of 'fantasy economics', with Scottish Conservative shadow social justice secretary Miles Briggs saying the blueprint is 'not remotely credible' and based on unaffordable proposals. The report also suggested decriminalising drugs, introducing green taxes, and exploring a universal basic income.
