Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 19 December 2018
19 Dec 2018 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
European Union Citizens (Contribution to Scotland)
No, I do not think that talent begins only at £30,000 a year. That proposition has been put out to public consultation today—as I understand it—and I urge every member of the Parliament, and indeed the Scottish Government, to take part in the public consultation and to express their views forthrightly and robustly.
In her Florence speech of September 2017, the Prime Minister said:
“I want to repeat to all EU citizens who have made their lives in our country—we want you to stay; we value you; and we thank you for your contribution to our national life.”
Mr Macpherson did not say this in his speech but, when he used those words, he was, of course, quoting the United Kingdom Prime Minister.
More recently, in November—just last month—the UK Government said:
“EU citizens are valued members of their communities and play an integral part in the economic, cultural and social fabric of the UK, as do UK nationals living in the EU, who are equally valued by their host countries and communities.”
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani)
SNP
The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-15184, in the name of Ben Macpherson, on the contribution of European Union citizens to Scotland. 15:42
The Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development (Ben Macpherson)
SNP
It is a great privilege to begin this important debate and, in doing so, to recognise and emphasise, on behalf of the Scottish Government and many others, th...
Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
Today, the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, commented that there was no reason to think that cutting down immigration would harm the economy. What is the ministe...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Minister, did you hear all of that question? Ms Dugdale’s mic was not on, initially.
Ben Macpherson
SNP
I heard that important intervention. I was going to say later—but I will make the point now—that Mr Javid’s comments are erroneous and inaccurate. Taking acc...
Adam Tomkins (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
Does the minister accept that the fee to be charged is less than the fee that either he or I would have to pay to renew our passports?
Ben Macpherson
SNP
I thought that Adam Tomkins would raise that example. The comparison is completely inappropriate and wrong-headed. When we buy a passport, we are not paying ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Come to a close, please, minister.
Ben Macpherson
SNP
In my concluding remarks, I will talk more about the fee and the disastrous white paper that has been put forward. The people of Scotland should be at the he...
Adam Tomkins (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
With those closing remarks, I am sure that the whole of the Parliament will speak with one voice. Tens of thousands of European citizens live in Glasgow, the...
Gillian Martin (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP)
SNP
Will Adam Tomkins give way?
Adam Tomkins
Con
Let me finish the quotation and then I will happily give way. The Prime Minister went on to say: “Britain is an open and tolerant country. We will always wa...
Gillian Martin
SNP
Adam Tomkins has spoken about attracting talent. Does he believe that you have talent only if you earn more than £30,000 a year, which has been mooted as the...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Always speak through the chair, please.
Adam Tomkins
Con
No, I do not think that talent begins only at £30,000 a year. That proposition has been put out to public consultation today—as I understand it—and I urge ev...
Ben Macpherson
SNP
On those points, which are important, does Mr Tomkins regret the fact that the Prime Minister stated that EU citizens had been “skipping the queue” in coming...
Adam Tomkins
Con
I think that the Prime Minster herself has distanced herself from those remarks and has apologised for them. The withdrawal agreement—successfully negotiate...
Tom Arthur (Renfrewshire South) (SNP)
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Adam Tomkins
Con
I have already given way twice. The withdrawal agreement provides that EU citizens who have been living lawfully in the UK for five years at the end of the ...
Tom Arthur
SNP
Will the member take an intervention on that point?
Adam Tomkins
Con
Perhaps the minister will respond to those points when he winds up the debate. The withdrawal agreement protects existing rights to equal treatment and non-...
Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
I welcome this afternoon’s debate, which recognises the value of EU citizens to Scotland and makes it clear that they are welcome here. At this time of conti...
Tom Arthur
SNP
Will the member give way?
Claire Baker
Lab
Yes—but I am very short of time.
Tom Arthur
SNP
I welcome Claire Baker’s remarks. Will she confirm that the Scottish Labour Party supports free movement of EU nationals and UK citizens across the European ...
Claire Baker
Lab
As Tom Arthur will hear in my speech, I recognise the value of freedom of movement. I was hoping that today’s debate would be consensual. We will also respon...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
The three opening speeches have all gone over time, which will have a knock-on effect on colleagues who will participate in the open debate. I ask members to...
Ross Greer (West Scotland) (Green)
Green
The Greens join our colleagues from the SNP and Labour in paying respect to the contributions of EU citizens and, indeed, of all people who choose to make Sc...
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
He is just closing.