Meeting of the Parliament 13 December 2016
I can tell that Tavish Scott is urgently thumbing through his Advent calendar. I refer him to the earlier commitments that have been made.
I call on members to urge the UK Government to stand by the rights of immigrants in Scotland from all parts of the world—in particular, Europe. I also call on the UK Government to treat our EU nationals with the respect and dignity that they deserve, and to guarantee the right that they seek to remain in the UK. Our EU nationals need answers now, which is why the Scottish Government will continue to stand up for their rights and for the rights of anyone from any other country who has done us the honour of making Scotland their home.
I move,
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.