SNP leader DEMANDS immigration control for Scotland amid Brexit power grab
The SNP have previously claimed Scotland should have its own immigration rules after Brexit – despite fears the system could be used a back door into England. Now the party’s top Westminster MP Ian Blackford has claimed the nation should take over from the Home Office to place more “compassion” into the system. It comes after the release of government data that shows the Home Office backed down on more than 12,000 appeals against visa decisions - with many of those taking place during Theresa May’s tenure at the helm of the department. Mr Blackford told the National: ”These figures reveal that the Home Office know fine well that they have been penalising thousands of those who more than likely always had a legitimate right to stay in the UK.
GETTY SNP MP Ian Blackford has claimed the nation should take over from the Home Office
“The decision to withdraw from almost 13,000 appeals hides a vast cost to individuals as well as the public purse but moreover leads to substantial trauma, pain and hurt for thousands who are left without full rights while these elongated processes take place. He added: "Our immigration system should be based on rights but underpinning those should be dignity and compassion. These principles seem to be sadly lacking. “We know of many cases where Scots have been caught up in such trauma, it absolutely brings home to me that to have an immigration policy that is fit for purpose, control over our immigration needs must be passed to the Scottish Government." The SNP have long attempted to use Brexit to gain more powers in Holyrood as the party threatens to subvert the process and keep Scotland inside the EU ahead of the signing of the Great Repeal Bill.
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GETTY The SNP have long attempted to use Brexit to gain more powers in Holyrood
The party’s Brexit minister Mike Russell urged the Tories earlier this month to hand over powers over areas such as fisheries and farming. And Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her government will insist clause 11 of the European Union (withdrawal) bill, which can automatically repatriate EU powers to Whitehall and Westminster, had to be substantially rewritten. A spokesman said: “We’re quite clear that the bill as it stands must be changed for us to be in a position where we can give legislative consent.”
BBC The SNP have claimed Scotland should have its own immigration rules after Brexit
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