JOHN Swinney has accused Keir Starmer of using "divisive language" in a speech on changes to immigration policy that "ignore" Scotland's needs.
Starmer said in a Downing Street speech that the UK risks becoming an “island of strangers” without controls on immigration as he unveiled a crackdown including plans to cut overseas care workers and tighten English language requirements.
Echoing the slogan used by Brexit campaigners during the 2016 EU referendum, Starmer said: “We will deliver what you’ve asked for time and again, and we will take back control of our borders.”
The First Minister has said the crackdown "plays into Nigel Farage's hands" as he accused Starmer of ignoring Scotland's need to boost its working-age population.
"The Prime Minister’s statement on immigration today will damage our economy, the NHS, social care and our universities," the SNP leader said on Twitter/X.
"It ignores the need to boost Scotland’s working age population.
"This sort of divisive language only plays into Nigel Farage’s hands.
"Not in Scotland’s name."
Maggie Chapman, the Scottish Greens justice spokesperson, accused Starmer of “throwing migrant workers under the bus” as she called for Scotland to have powers over immigration.
Under the white paper proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship, but so-called “high-contributing” individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning that they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
Scotland's Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart has urged the UK Government to rethink the white paper to take account of Scotland’s distinct population needs.
She said: “The UK Government’s plans on migration stand in stark contrast to our values and they do not reflect Scotland’s distinct population needs.
"The Scottish Government is proud to welcome and support people from around the world to live, work and build their lives in Scotland. Not only does migration enrich our communities and culture, it is vital for economic growth, public services like the NHS and addressing our population challenges.
“Scotland needs talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers. A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK.
"I call on the Home Secretary to urgently work with us to deliver an immigration system which is reflective of Scotland’s needs, and avoids the harm to our economy, communities, and public services which the policy decisions in the white paper will lead to."
Care England’s chief executive Martin Green earlier labelled the Government’s plans as “cruel”.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said Starmer has been “listening and learning” from his party.
The announcement comes less than a fortnight after Reform UK surged to victory in local council elections across England.
Ministers are looking to bring down net migration figures, which stood at 728,000 in the year to mid-2024.
