Immigration policy disgusts
I have been vocal about my disgust at the way European Nationals who have made their home in our country have been treated by the UK Government through the Brexit process.
There are people here, in our area, who have lived, worked, and raised families over decades, who are being made to feel Scotland is not their home and that they are not welcome here.
I have long too been a critic of how successive UK Governments have dealt with immigration and asylum matters.
Last week the Tory Government, amidst much fanfare, announced their immigration policy to cover all potential immigrants to the UK, including Scotland.
The UK Government will not engage on the specific needs of Scotland and we have been handed a“one size fits all”policy that will seriously damage our economy.
The reaction to Boris Johnson’s policy from across sectors in our country has been swift.
The National Farmers’ Union Scotland said the proposals don’t provide enough options for seasonal and permanent non-UK workers to come and work in our vibrant food and farming sectors.
The Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink said that, without continued access to EU workers,“there simply isn’t the available workforce”.
In fisheries the Scottish Seafood Association and the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisations are worried about the viability of the sector.
And the chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said the proposals are the“biggest threat to Scotland’s tourism industry”.
He talks of the importance now, more than ever, to be able to attract and retain people, particularly in the Highlands and islands and other rural areas.
These issues all impact on Scotland as a whole, but on a local level too the effects will be keenly felt.
East Kilbride houses many small and mediumsized businesses and the Federation of Small Businesses have pointed out that Scotland’s small employers have a greater reliance on EU workers than the UK average, with these staff being central to the success of many of these businesses.
If Scotland does not have powers to grow our population, it would have a particular impact on health and care – we all know many EU nationals work in our care system, across our care and nursing homes, and in the
NHS.
Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, didn’t mince his words, saying“we have to encourage people to stay .... we are simply a country that needs migrants...we need a distinctive solution.”
There is a recognition across the board that Scotland has particular needs which are not being considered. No Scottish Tory could be found in subsequent media coverage to come to the defence of their UK Government counterparts.
The Tory rhetoric about unskilled workers is insulting to the many skilled people who work in our care services and beyond. This concern is not about protecting access to cheap labour – it is about the need to attract the talented, hardworking people we need in Scotland.
This is the stark reality of the Tories’Brexit Britain. Our local industries, public services and NHS here in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire and right across Scotland, are in danger.
Graham Simpson has been named shadow cabinet secretary for housing, communities and social security.
The East Kilbride list MSP has been a vocal opponent to housing issues in South Lanarkshire, regularly calling out the Scottish government and local authority on issues surrounding housing stock.
In particular the Scottish Conservative MSP has criticised the level of affordable housing and number of empty houses across the region.
He was unveiled as the shadow minister last week by new Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw.
Of his appointment, Mr Simpson said: “It is an immense privilege to be appointed to Jackson’s shadow cabinet.
“With Jackson as the leader, the Scottish Tories are ready and willing to tackle the SNPs mismanagement head on.
“I have experienced through my role as shadow spokesman for housing and planning the inadequacies of the SNP Scottish Government.
“Not only do we have a housing crisis on our hands, this government continues to fail local council’s with only independence in sight.
“We will be working hard to put Scots first and I look forward to making the most of this opportunity.”
MSP for Eastwood, Mr Carlaw won his position as leader of the Scottish Conservative’s earlier this month.
Having served as an MSP since 2007, he had been filling the role as interim leader since last August after the departure of Ruth Davidson.
He comfortably defeated his rival, Michelle Ballantyne, by 4917 votes to 1581.
Mr Carlaw promised a sweeping policy review with a more populist agenda, to dovetail with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plans for the UK party.
He also promised to win over blue-collar voters disillusioned with the SNP and Labour.
Of his new cabinet, the party leader said: “This brand new shadow cabinet is designed to take on the SNP leading up to May 2021, and take the Scottish Conservatives into government after it.
“We’ve got the best people fighting in the best places, and they’re going to bring us onto the
Again, we have been given a one size fits all solution...
next level.
“I also promised to prioritise areas like housing – such a critical area for young people across the country – which is why I’ve included that role within the shadow cabinet.
“It’s simply not enough for us to be a strong and effective opposition anymore. We need to prove to the people of Scotland that we’re a government in waiting.
“The nationalists’ time in government is coming to an end and we’re ready to step up and step in.”
MSPs Rachael Hamilton, Miles Briggs, Liam Kerr, Annie Wells, Liz Smith, Murdo Fraser, Donald Cameron, Jamie Green, Maurice Golden, Dean Lockhart and Adam Tomkins all take up roles on the cabinet also.