Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the Government’s immigration policies on (a) Scotland’s population and (b) labour shortages in Scotland.

Our points-based system works for the whole of the UK by welcoming people to fill skills gaps, support our public services and boost our economy.

Furthermore, the Shortage Occupation List also includes occupations which are in shortage and are specific to Scotland, such as chemical scientists and Gaelic teachers.

Immigration policy cannot, however, be a complete solution to population movements within the UK or labour shortages. The Scottish Government has levers at its disposal to address these issues more effectively.