Angus Robertson attacks the UK Government over the status of EU nationals in his first speech as the new depute leader of the SNP.
THE SNP will use its opposition day debate in the Commons next week to call for a “cast iron guarantee” on that EU nationals’ status will be protected.
Angus Robertson told the SNP conference in Glasgow that it was shameful that the UK Government referred to EU nationals as “cards to be a bargain with”, despite the reassurance from Scotland’ first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, that they are welcome here.
In his first major speech to the SNP conference since becoming depute leader of the SNP, Robertson said that thousands of EU nationals study at Scottish universities and make up five per cent of the NHS workforce in Scotland.
Robertson said: “I am proud, as I know that you all are, that Scotland is a welcoming, outward looking country.
Over 12 per cent of the people who work in our agriculture sector and 11 per cent of people who work in our food, fish and meat processing sector are EU citizens.” Angus Robertson
“In Scotland when employment is high, we will require more people to come and work in Scotland and help our economy prosper.”
The SNP Westminister group leader added: “Over 12 per cent of the people who work in our agriculture sector and 11 per cent of people who work in our food, fish and meat processing sector are EU citizens.
“Those who come to live and work in Scotland contribute to our economy. They make us richer and more diverse.
“As much as Theresa May wants to run and hide from her record, how could anybody forget her influence: go home foreigners.” Angus Robertson
“Scotland is their home and they are welcome here.”
Also, Robertson attacked the UK Government for plans to “name and shame” firms that reveal the proportion of their workforce that is foreign, saying: “It’s deplorable, and it is xenophobia.”
Robertson added: “As the first minister says, the fact that they want to keep this a secret list will be of no consolation to anybody.
“As much as Theresa May wants to run and hide from her record, how could anybody forget her influence: go home foreigners.”
With race and hate crime increasing by as much as 40 per cent in certain parts in the UK, Robertson went on to say that those politicians who fuel xenophobia must take their share of responsibility.
The motion called for unity across society to fight xenophobia and welcome Scottish Government attempts to make EU and other foreign nationals welcome in Scotland.
The comments followed a motion passed at the conference yesterday condemning xenophobia and prejudice that has been inflicted on foreign nationals in all forms after the Conservative Party conference last week.
The motion called for unity across society to fight xenophobia and welcome Scottish Government attempts to make EU and other foreign nationals welcome in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Robertson challenged Theresa May, saying that her “days as prime minister of a United Kingdom will be numbered” if she continues to ignore the will of the Scottish people after Scotland voted to remain part of the EU.
Sixty-two per cent of Scots voted in favour of remain as part of the EU, although the overall UK vote delivered 52 per cent in favour of leaving the EU.
Robertson challenged Theresa May, saying that her “days as prime minister of a United Kingdom will be numbered” if she continues to ignore the will of the Scottish people after Scotland voted to remain part of the EU.
Robertson said that there was a reverse devolution taking place because of Britain’s exit from the EU, and that there was no “opt out” for Scotland to remain in the EU.
Robertson’s speech followed the announcement from UK Prime Minister Theresa May last week at the Conservative Party conference that the whole of the UK will leave the EU by triggering Article 50 by the end of March 2017.
Indications from the UK Government is that it will go for a ‘hard Brexit’, which would result in more controls on immigrants from the EU and see the UK lose access to the single market.
Robertson told delegates: “Scotland’s membership of the single market of 500 million people is vital to Scotland’s interests.
“Scotland’s membership of the single market of 500 million people is vital to Scotland’s interests.” Angus Robertson MP
“With a significant rural economy, retaining access to Cap payments really matters.
“For a country that needs to grow its population to help address skills gaps and to deal with an ageing population, free movement of people matters.
“All that is now at risk, and it will be the people who will pay the price of this in real life in jobs, in investments and living standards and they will suffer as a result.”
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