7 Sep 2018
The Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Scottish Government to listen to business opposition to devolving immigration and drop the policy.
Speaking at the CBI Scotland Annual Dinner last night, CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn voiced her opposition to a Scottish immigration system.
The CBI is simply adding its voice to the growing list of business groups which oppose a Scottish immigration system, including the NFUS, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Food and Drink Federation Scotland.
The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also gave a speech at the event.
Adam Tomkins, Scottish Conservative shadow secretary on constitutional affairs has therefore urged the First Minister to listen to businesses across Scotland, drop the unworkable policy and focus on UK wide solutions.
The call also follows the announcement of a pilot scheme to allow fruit and vegetable farmers to hire workers from outwith the EU, after a campaign by Scottish Conservative MP Kirstene Hair.
Adam Tomkins, Scottish Conservative shadow secretary on constitutional affairs said:
“The SNP knows that devolving immigration risks a border at Berwick which would add delays, bureaucracy and costs.
“The CBI is simply adding its voice to the growing consensus that the devolution of immigration is unworkable and unwanted.
“The SNP must now listen to this consensus and propose UK wide solutions to ensure that Scotland has the work force it needs.
“The pilot scheme for seasonal workers, proposed by Kirstene Hair MP shows what can be achieved.
“The SNP must put their dogma aside and focus on what’s best for the Scottish economy.”
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