Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
Starmer immigration policy a ‘critical economic threat’ to Scotland, says Swinney
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney during First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, May 29, 2025

LABOUR'S immigration policy poses a “critical economic threat” to Scotland, according to First Minister John Swinney.

The SNP leader’s comments come after the Prime Minister published a white paper outlining plans to further restrict immigration, extending the time people would have to stay in Britain before applying for settled status, ending visas for overseas care workers and cutting the time graduates can remain after leaving university.

Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Mr Swinney said he was “profoundly concerned by the direction of travel that is being taken on migration” by the UK government.

Noting Scotland’s ageing population and that 26 per cent of its care sector workers were from abroad, he warned: “If those individuals are not able to make a contribution to our social care system, then I don’t know how we will deliver a social care system in Scotland.

“I can see a significant economic threat to our prosperity if we do not have a more mature approach to immigration. This is a deadly serious issue for all of us.”

The UK government was contacted for comment.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
First Minister John Swinney, January 6, 2025
Britain / 22 January 2025
22 January 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper
Britain / 5 November 2024
5 November 2024