Wishart and May clash over immigration issue

MP Pete Wishart attacked Theresa May for claims she is depriving youngsters of the freedom to “live, work and love” on the Continent.

The SNP politician clashed with the prime minister over immigration as she gave evidence in a hearing before leaders of Westminster’s committees yesterday.

The UK Government says the free movement of EU nationals on to these shores will end, with people allowed in based on their skills rather than nationality.

Mr Wishart, who represents Perth and North Perthshire, asked her: “Isn’t it the case that the rights that you and I had to live, work and love across a continent of 28 nations is going to be deprived to our young people because of your obsession with immigration?”

The Tory leader denied that, saying: “Freedom of movement gives automatic rights to people living in the European Union that are not available to people outside the EU.

“In future we will end that automatic right that comes with free movement.

“What we will put in place is our system of immigration rules which will apply across all countries, and it will be skills-based rather than based on the country that somebody comes from.”