Keir Starmer rejects calls for immigration powers to be devolved to Holyrood

Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls for immigration powers to be devolved to Holyrood, dismissing the idea during a visit to Glasgow. The Prime Minister spoke about the need to “reset” the relationship between the Scottish and UK governments, following tensions between SNP ministers in Edinburgh and the previous Conservative government in London. Despite the discussions of a reset, the devolving of immigration powers was clearly ruled out by Sir Keir, stating, “No, we’re not looking at that.”

The issue arises as the Scottish Government has repeatedly advocated for greater control over immigration to address specific economic challenges in Scotland’s key industries such as energy, agriculture and tourism. Scottish Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has criticised UK migration policies, claiming they are adversely impacting Scotland’s economy. She has called for a tailored migration system to address Scotland’s unique needs.

In response to Sir Keir’s stance, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart expressed her disappointment, emphasising the importance of exploring all options, including full devolution of powers, to establish an immigration system that aligns with Scotland’s interests. Stewart highlighted proposals for a Scottish Visa or Rural Visa Pilot, supported by stakeholders in Scotland, as potential solutions. Urging collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments, Stewart stressed the need for a system that caters to Scotland’s economic and demographic requirements.

The discussion around devolving immigration powers to Holyrood reflects the ongoing debate around the relationship between the Scottish and UK governments, and the complexities of addressing regional needs within a broader national framework. The differing perspectives underscore the importance of open dialogue and cooperation to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.

In summary, Sir Keir Starmer’s rejection of devolving immigration powers to Holyrood has sparked further debate on how to address Scotland’s specific economic challenges through tailored migration solutions. The differing viewpoints between the UK and Scottish governments highlight the complexities of balancing national policies with regional needs, underscoring the importance of collaboration and open dialogue in finding viable solutions.