Labour MSP adds voice to calls for

POLITICAL EDITOR

BY ANDREW WHITAKER

LABOUR MSP has added her voice to calls for Holyrood to obtain immigration powers as part of “hard Brexit” exemptions, amid fears over whether EU citizens will be able to remain in the UK.

Glasgow MSP Pauline McNeill said that despite the powers being reserved to Westminster there was “no reason why Scotland’s government or indeed other nations and regions should not have a say in immigration policy”.

She suggested it would be unreasonable for Scotland to have no influence over immigration rules, as uncertainty continues about whether people from EU member states will be forced to leave Scotland after Brexit.

Her remarks came after Scottish La- bour deputy leader Alex Rowley echoed senior SNP MSPs in demanding immigration powers be handed over to Holyrood. Speaking at a meeting in Dunfermline, he called for a “new constitutional settlement fit for the 21st century,” which involves a Home Rule solution through further devolution.

Prime Minister Theresa May is reportedly exploring ways of retaining free access to the single market for London’s financial centre, while the UK as a whole looks set to sacrifice full membership of the tariff-free zone.

However, SNP politicians and now Labour figures have said it would be unacceptable if the Prime Minister did not look at a special deal for Scotland when she is doing so for the City.

McNeill called for clarity from the UK Government’s Brexit department about reports London could be given a “protected status” after Brexit, with the Labour MSP saying it would not be