Meeting of the Parliament 19 December 2018
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 account of what is proposed in the white paper for Scotland, our modelling estimates that it would cost Scotland’s gross domestic product around 6.2 per cent by 2040, which is equivalent to a fall in GDP of almost £6.8 billion a year. It would have a significantly detrimental impact.
That leads me to this point. Scottish Government analysis shows—as many members will know—that each EU citizen contributes £34,400 in GDP a year and £10,400 in tax, so the contribution is massive.
Scottish Government analysis also shows that, because of the important part that EU citizens have played in our population turnaround, EU migration is relatively more important to Scotland than it is to other parts of the UK. I see that in my constituency, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, which is one of the most multicultural and vibrant places in Scotland; and we see it around Scotland, in our cities, towns and rural communities.
That is why it is so important for Scotland that, in the face of the current turmoil at Westminster and the two and a half years of uncertainty and anxiety that the UK Government has caused for EU citizens, we support EU citizens in Scotland and make sure that they feel, and know that they are, welcome. I was pleased to announce yesterday—as many members will be aware—that, as part of our responsibility for that, the Scottish Government will deliver an advice service for EU citizens in Scotland in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland and its network of citizens advice bureaux around the country. That will be over and above anything that the UK Government has planned—which has not been forthcoming. To be frank, the UK Government is not doing enough.
There is an urgent need for clear and trusted information about how people will be affected by changes in the immigration rules as a result of Brexit. The geographical footprint of Citizens Advice Scotland, together with its trusted status and existing network of advisers, will allow the service that we fund to be delivered quickly around Scotland. The service is a practical step that we can take to ensure that EU and EEA citizens in Scotland feel welcomed, supported and valued. I am sure that members will agree that it is the right thing to do.
I wish that it was not necessary, and that the people who have done us the honour of making Scotland their home did not need to apply to retain rights that they already have. However, faced with the situation as a result of Brexit, I hope that our commitment to provide support gives some comfort and surety amid the uncertainty.
Since 2016, the Scottish Government has been clear that it will do all that it can to help EU citizens through the process of obtaining settled status. That is why we have also made a clear commitment to pay the fees for that for EU citizens working in our devolved public services, including doctors, nurses and other public sector workers on whom we all rely.
However, this Government is also clear that EU citizens certainly should not be being asked to apply to retain the rights that they already enjoy—and have had for some time—and should not be charged a fee for the application. Parliament should be aware that I have raised the issue with the UK Government, most recently this morning with the UK Minister of State for Immigration, and I will continue to argue that there should be no fee. To be frank, it is insulting for the UK Government to ask EU citizens, relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues to pay a fee to keep making such a huge contribution to Scotland.
It is not just the Scottish Government that is calling for the fee to be scrapped. The overwhelming message from those to whom I have spoken, whether in businesses, in third sector organisations or EU citizens, is that it is unfair that people are having to apply and to pay simply to keep their existing rights to live, work and study in Scotland. The fee applies not just to adults but to children.