SNP Warns of Decline in Migrants in Scotland

Migrants in Scotland are considered vital by SNP minister Mairi McAllan, who stated that the number of newcomers is "too few" and that migration is both "good and necessary" for the economy. She expressed these views during a discussion on BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show, part of a Holyrood election debate on immigration featuring six political parties. Contrarily, Reform's Thomas Kerr argued that immigration has strained the system, leading to a split among other party representatives. Conservative Stephen Kerr highlighted that many voters feel governments lack control over immigration, whereas the Liberal Democrats' Christine Jardine and Labour's Michael Marra supported the necessity of immigration. Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Greens emphasized its "value" to the country. Although immigration powers are reserved for Westminster, it remains a significant concern for Scottish voters. A recent BBC Scotland poll indicated that immigration ranks as the fourth most important issue, following the cost of living, health, and the economy. McAllan maintained that Scotland is a welcoming nation and noted that migration is beneficial for sectors like hospitality, health and social care, and business. The debate on The Sunday Show largely focused on how to accommodate migrants. As housing secretary, McAllan acknowledged existing housing pressures but noted these issues exist independently of immigration trends. She attributed challenges in the construction sector to economic conditions that have also impacted the cost of living, making it tougher for families to make ends meet. The SNP government has met its goal of constructing 100,000 affordable homes, with plans for an additional 110,000 by 2032. Kerr from Reform asserted that the housing system is at breaking point. He criticized the SNP for scrapping the "local connection rule," which previously allowed local authorities to direct housing applicants based on their ties to specific areas. He claimed that this change has increased housing pressure, particularly in Glasgow, stating, "We are seeing people prioritized over locals." McAllan countered that this alteration is unrelated to immigration, explaining that refugees lack a connection to any area and cannot be redirected to other councils when seeking homeless support. This rule change ensures that, for instance, someone escaping domestic abuse in Inverness can't be referred back by another council. Kerr further claimed that in Glasgow, recent statistics reveal that 65% of homeless individuals are "illegal" migrants. From April to September 2025, 43% of those seeking homelessness support were refugees or individuals with leave to remain, excluding Ukrainian nationals, while the figure for Scotland overall stands at 15%. Scottish Conservative Stephen Kerr stated that public concern over the Westminster government's grip on immigration is justifiable. He asserted, "When people arrive here by illegal means and seek asylum, they may have a right to do that, but if you arrive in this country by illegal means, then you cannot be permitted to stay.” He described the Scottish people as welcoming yet expressed feelings of exploitation of that hospitality. He suggested that previous Conservative administrations in Westminster could have done more to manage immigration and that parties on the left often inaccurately label the ordinary concerns of working people as racist. Labour's Michael Marra contended that Reform's rhetoric was inflammatory. He emphasized the need to accommodate those fleeing dire circumstances. Marra remarked that during Boris Johnson's leadership, immigration surged by 2 million due to relaxed rules after Brexit, calling for increased housing development in Scotland. He stressed that current housing completion rates are at historical lows. Christine Jardine from the Scottish Liberal Democrats asserted that immigration is essential to bridge Scotland's significant skills and employment gaps. She warned that the care sector faces potential collapse due to workforce shortages, linking it to a loss of control over immigration during the Conservative government. Jardine proposed that asylum seekers be permitted to work, allowing them to contribute to the Scottish economy, even if they face deportation if their asylum claims are denied. Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Greens insisted that seeking asylum should not be equated with illegal immigration. He believed that the public generally supports immigration and recognized its contributions. Harvie stated that pressures on public services are attributed not to migrants but to decisions made by UK governments that indirectly strain Scottish resources. He emphasized the need for investment. According to Professor John Curtice, current polls suggest that the SNP will remain the dominant party, although with diminished popularity compared to their 2021 levels. He noted that Reform and Labour are closely competing for second place, yet cautioned that the final week of the campaign could be pivotal in shaping the outcome.

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