SNP COMMENT ON IMMIGRATION PROPOSALS.

SNP COMMENT ON IMMIGRATION PROPOSALS.

Commenting on the Scottish Secretary's article on immigration in the Scotland on Sunday SNP home affairs spokesperson in Westminster, Pete Wishart MP said it was a move in the right direction but what is needed are the powers over immigration to be devolved to Scotland just as they are in Australia’s states. Commenting Mr Wishart said: "Scotland's population projection, although improving from years of stagnation, requires real action taken in Scotland and not merely this scheme proposed by Jim Murphy, which is a move in the right direction but doesn’t go far enough. “The Scottish Government Minister for External Affairs, Michael Russell, has been discussing the need for a distinctive Scottish immigration policy with the UK Government and we are glad that point is finally being accepted. "But the SNP have pressed the case for the devolution of a Scottish points-based system that awards eager, qualified immigrants, who want to come to Scotland for five years or longer. Devolving control of immigration policy would not only benefit Scotland, it would help lift some of the pressure on the UK Home Office. "This is not an exceptional policy. Australian states already run such a scheme, as does Canada. A Scottish points-based system would create a targeted approach to immigration which would reflect the needs of the economy and the demographic challenges Scotland faces. "Only when immigration powers are devolved will we be able to find a Scottish solution to this Scottish problem."