Sturgeon’s TV gamble

SNP leader takes a punt that voters want more incomers

NICOLA Sturgeon last night put her support for immigration at the forefront of the campaign to keep Britain in the EU.

In a risky gamble as the contest enters its final days, the First Minister said foreigners bring ‘much-needed skills’ to these shores as she took part in a live ITV debate ahead of the referendum.

But the SNP leader did admit that immigration has put ‘pressure’ on services in Glasgow.

Miss Sturgeon teamed up with Tory Energy Secretary Amber Rudd for the debate, despite repeatedly lambasting Labour for sharing a platform with the Tories before the 2014 independence referendum – sparking a furious response from the SNP Vote Leave group.

The debate also featured Labour’s Angela Eagle for Remain, with Boris Johnson, Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom and Labour’s German-born MP Gisela Stuart on the Leave side.

Miss Sturgeon was stung by Mr Johnson when he highlighted her persistent criticism of the pro-EU campaign. As the audience laughed, he said: ‘There’s a member of that camp who’s complained about the Remain campaign and said it’s miserable, negative and fear-based. That was Nicola Sturgeon. I agree with Nicola.’

The SNP leader also came under fire for her hypocrisy, with Mr Johnson questioning why she is content for laws to be imposed by Brussels, but not Westminster. Many of her arguments for voting Remain were eerily similar to the arguments for voting against independence she railed against in the 2014 referendum.

Mrs Leadsom blasted her for being ‘determined to have another go [at Scottish independence], because it was the wrong answer’.

The First Minister declined to speculate on the possibility of a second referendum if Scotland is dragged out of the EU against its will – despite previously taking every opportunity to raise the prospect.

Immigration dominated much of the debate.

Miss Sturgeon said: ‘Yes, immigration is causing pressure in some areas and public services, I see that in parts of my own constituency [Glasgow Southside].

‘The answer to that is to invest in our public services, not to impose needless austerity cuts.

‘Secondly, EU migrants make a positive contribution to our economy and bring much-needed skills.

‘Thirdly and lastly, freedom of movement is a two-way street. It’s not just about people coming here, it’s about our freedom of movement as well. There are two million British citizens living in other parts of the EU – we don’t call them migrants though, we call them expats. I want to do what Boris once said he would do – make the case for immigration and the contribution it makes.’

Mr Johnson said he remained in favour of immigration if it was brought under control, which could only be done by leaving the EU.

There was a significant ‘blue-onblue’ attack from Miss Rudd, who told Mr Johnson that ‘the only number he’s interested in is Number Ten’.

The issue of Scottish independence was not debated in full last night, but Miss Sturgeon said: ‘I believe nations should be independent.

‘But I also want the UK and Scotland to stay part of the EU. The reason is simple – in the modern world, independent countries must work together and that is what the EU is all about.’

Former Free Church moderator and SNP Vote Leave spokesman David Robertson said: ‘I’m disappointed the SNP are now happy to team up with David Cameron and share a platform with the Tories.’

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: ‘Only 51 per cent of people who voted for the SNP last month say they will vote for remain in two weeks – the lowest of any party except the Tories.

‘If Labour voters are going to be decisive across the UK, it will be Labour and SNP supporters who hold the balance in Scotland.’

‘Sharing a platform with the Tories’