THE immigration issue has long been an example of the differing needs of Scotland and England. England’s focus has been on limiting the number of people moving to that country, whereas Scotland needs more immigrants to help its economy grow.
That difference has put pressure on the Union for years but now it has grown to become one of the main arguments to make the case for Scotland’s independence.
The changes being proposed to immigration rules by Boris Johnson’s government are not just racist, wrong-headed and badly thought out ... although they are all of those things.
They also signify an attitude to Scotland which has become increasingly apparent since Johnson took power. He seems determined to clamp down on our ambition to exert more power over the future of our country.
He shows little enthusiasm for taking Scotland’s views or needs into account, refusing to seriously engage with our elected representatives and dismissing any arguments which suggest we need a different approach to issues which present us with particular problems.
On top of that is the attitude which led to serious fears that the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) environmental summit in Glasgow was heading for disaster because of Westminster’s antagonism towards the SNP.
The immigration proposals represent a total dismissal of Scottish concerns – concerns expressed not just by the Scottish Government but by charities, industries and many of those who would normally be expected to support the aims of a Conservative government. The arrogance has been little short of astonishing.
All this is taking place against a backdrop of increasing support for independence and signs of a real change of heart among many who had not so long ago been fervently against it.
It’s time that movement was represented by other Scottish parties who must now realise the dangers Boris Johnson poses to our future.
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