Migration: FM says Scotland must determine its own policy

Nicola Sturgeon says immigration powers should be devolved, calling UK-wide policy on the issue a “disaster”.

On a campaign visit to Stirling today, the first minister is expected to say that whatever happens over Brexit, Scotland should control its own borders.

Last month, culture minister Fiona Hyslop made a similar plea as statistics showed there would be 240,000 more pension-age Scots in the next 25 years.

According to the Scottish Government, if EU migration to

Scotland is halved by 2040, GDP would drop by 4.5%.

Ms Sturgeon is due to say the UK Government not recognising Scotland’s “unique circumstances” would be a “disaster”.

She will say: “A vote for the SNP is a vote to escape Brexit and put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.

“But no matter what happens with Brexit, we need a migration system fit for purpose and fit for Scotland’s needs.

“For too long the Westminster parties have been dancing to Nigel Farage’s tune on migration.”