Scottish Government Debate: Welcoming International Migrants in Scotland

Alasdair Allan S5M-03049 That the Parliament acknowledges the UN’s International Migrants Day on 18 December 2016; remembers the refugees and migrants who have lost their lives while trying to reach safe harbour; welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of those who have chosen to make Scotland their home; embraces a culturally diverse community that enriches Scotland’s intellectual, social and cultural life; acknowledges the impact that the result of the EU Referendum has had on many of Scotland's friends and neighbours and seeks to reassure all that they are welcome in Scotland; urges the UK Government to guarantee the rights of fellow EU nationals to live and work here, and calls on it to deliver a fair and sensible immigration system that meets Scotland's needs. Liam Kerr S5M-03049.2 As an amendment to motion S5M-03049 in the name of Alasdair Allan (Welcoming International Migrants in Scotland), leave out from "welcomes the opportunity" to end and insert "notes the UK Government's extensive aid programme to support refugees; welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of those who have chosen to make Scotland their home; embraces a culturally diverse community that enriches Scotland’s intellectual, social and cultural life; acknowledges the impact that the result of the EU Referendum has had on many of Scotland's friends and neighbours and seeks to reassure all that they are welcome in Scotland; urges the UK Government to guarantee the rights of fellow EU nationals to live and work here and urges EU countries to offer reciprocal assurances for UK nationals living and working in the EU; notes that non-EU migration is essential and that a future, fairer immigration system can provide equal opportunities to live and work for migrants from outwith the EU; further notes the importance of attracting migrants from elsewhere in the UK, and believes that the Scottish Government has significant powers to create incentives to live and work in Scotland." Lewis Macdonald S5M-03049.1 As an amendment to motion S5M-03049 in the name of Alasdair Allan (Welcoming International Migrants in Scotland), insert at end ", based on a recognition of the country's demographic deficit and economic requirements, noting in particular the importance of students and graduates from both other EU countries and other parts of the world, and calls on the Scottish Government to co-operate with devolved and city administrations seeking to address similar concerns in other parts of the UK."