TWO SNP politicians have pledged to continue to challenge UK Government plans for a points-based immigration system after visiting a community initiative that relies on non-UK volunteers.
MSP John Swinney and his Westminster colleague Pete Wishart voiced their concerns after meeting staff and residents of the Corbenic Camphill Community, near Dunkeld.
It provides a home for people with social, emotional, intellectual and learning needs, and is mostly staffed by volunteers from outside the UK.
Staff with the Camphill movement say they are worried they will not be able to operate the facilities under the UK Government’s immigration plans.
Swinney said that after four decades, the community now faced “significant uncertainty”.
He said: “It is disgraceful that an organisation like Corbenic, which has such a positive impact on their local community, is now facing significant uncertainty as a result of Brexit.
“Corbenic’s plight is further evidence that the UK Government’s ill-conceived immigration proposals will hammer Scottish businesses and services. Accordingly, the Tories must rethink their current plans in order to allow Scotland to provide a flexible immigration system that caters to our very specific needs.”
Wishart added: “Organisations like Camphill rely on a number of volunteers who come to the UK to gain valuable work experience and it remains uncertain if they will still be able to do this when the new system becomes law.
“I really value the work that the Camphill Community do, and I am determined to stand up on their behalf to prevent anything which will seriously impact the way that they provide their valuable service.
“It remains my position that powers over immigration should be devolved to colleagues in the Scottish Parliament, but whilst these remain with Westminster, I will continue to challenge the UK Government over their plans.”
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