Mundell visa climbdown
Scottish Secretary willing to look at reviving scheme following outcry
SCOTTISH Secretary David Mundell is willing to consider reintroducing a scheme to allow overseas graduates to work in Scotland after they complete their studies.
In a significant climbdown, Mr Mundell said he would think about detailed proposals to revive the post-study work visa, which was credited with attracting talented students to Scotland and boosting the economy when it ran from 2005 to 2012.
Mr Mundell has come under intense criticism after appearing to rule out such a move earlier this month.
Scotland’s universities and colleges and MSPs from across the political spectrum reacted with dismay when he issued a ministerial statement saying existing graduate schemes were “excellent” and the Government had “no intention” of reconsidering post-study work visas.
But speaking at a lunch with Holyrood journalists, Mr Mundell said: “My understanding is the Scottish Affairs Select Committee is preparing a report which will provide evidence as to why we need to make changes in relation to the student visa regime.
“I’ve been very clear I want to see that report and hear what they have to say. If a case can be made for a different regime then obviously we’ll look at that.”
He said he was “surprised” his statement updating Westminster on the new Scotland Bill was interpreted as closing the door on reviving the post study work visa initiative. “It’s not,” he said. “The statement was simply a statement of where we are.”
Scotland’s only Conservative MP will face questions on the issue when he appears before Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Select Committee today.
David Cameron also appeared to rule out changes to the system when he was questioned by the SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson at Prime Minister’s Questions last week. He said existing schemes were “world beating”.
The visa was originally negotiated by then-first minister Jack, now Lord, McConnell in 2005 as part of his “Fresh Talent” initiative to tackle the country’s falling population.
It was rolled out across the UK in 2008 but scrapped four years later.
In his statement earlier this year, Mr Mundell was updating MPs on loose ends left by the cross-party Smith Commission, whose agreement on further devolution formed the basis of the new Scotland Bill.
The commission recommended that new graduate schemes should be “explored”.
Mr Mundell also gave the clearest backing of any cabinet minister to date for an early referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.
He said holding the poll in late June would not interfere with the Holyrood election on May 5 and would still give enough time for voters to engage with the debate.
Mr Cameron has said a June vote is his preferred option though, depending on his negotiations with other EU leaders, it could take place in September or next year.
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, has called on the Government to avoid a June poll, arguing it might leave too little time to secure an In vote.