Anas Sarwar is facing mounting pressure to honour his pledge on a Scottish visa as a crucial Westminster vote looms.
The SNP is urging him to back a new Bill that would give Scotland greater control over immigration.
Stephen Gethins MP’s Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill is set for its Second Reading on Friday.
It marks a key test for Scottish Labour, who campaigned on promises to explore a bespoke Scottish visa system.
During the last general election, both Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie assured voters that a Labour government would consider such a policy.
However, those promises have been thrown into doubt after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared to dismiss the idea post-election.
The move sparked backlash from Scotland’s tourism and hospitality leaders who feel let down by Labour’s U-turn.
Leon Thompson of UK Hospitality Scotland called the reversal “very, very disappointing” and said the issue deserved further conversation.
He warned that taking the idea off the table altogether is a serious blow to an industry still reeling from Brexit.
The SNP argue that the end of freedom of movement has hammered key Scottish sectors including the NHS, agriculture, construction, and higher education.
They say a tailored Scottish visa would help address labour shortages and Scotland’s long-term demographic decline.
The proposal has long enjoyed support from economic experts and business leaders across the country.
Reform Scotland, led by former Labour First Minister Lord McConnell, is among those calling for a devolved immigration system.
The think tank previously warned that Scotland’s needs risk being overlooked in the UK’s one-size-fits-all immigration policy.
The SNP’s plan would allow Holyrood to respond to specific economic and demographic challenges facing Scotland.
Without such powers, projections show a shrinking working age population and a wider population dip in the years ahead.
Stephen Gethins has written to both Anas Sarwar and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray demanding they back the Bill.
He urged them to whip Scottish Labour MPs to support the Second Reading on Friday.
The spotlight is now firmly on Scottish Labour to see whether their Westminster MPs will stick to their election commitments.
A failure to support the Bill could open the party up to criticism from both within Scotland and their own voter base.
It also risks further damaging trust in Labour’s ability to stand up for Scotland’s unique needs.
With the vote just days away, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Anas Sarwar.
In his letter, Stephen Gethins MP writes:
“Dear Anas, Ian,
“On Friday, there is an opportunity for us to work together on creating a Scottish Visa and an immigration system that works for Scotland.
“The Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill will have its Second Reading which, if passed, will amend the Scotland Act 1998 to allow Scottish Ministers to make decisions about immigration that reflect Scotland’s economic needs, including the creation of a Scottish Visa.
“You will know that Scottish industries and the higher education sector are strongly supportive of an immigration system that will keep Scotland’s economy and industries competitive and at the cutting edge of innovation. We know from the UK Treasury’s own analysis that Brexit has hammered our economy, but Scotland also faces a unique demographic challenge with both the overall population and the working age population projected to decline without these powers.
“For far too long, Westminster has made UK-wide immigration policy that doesn’t work for Scotland and I know that you recognise this having previously acknowledged the need for a “bespoke solution” for Scotland. Prior to the UK General Election, both you and Jackie Baillie signalled that a UK Labour Government would be open to talks on a Scottish Visa. Jackie Baillie said discussions made “common sense” while you said you had already held discussions with the Home Secretary.
“This was a commitment also made by Michael Gove prior to the EU Referendum, who understood the challenges that taking us out of the EU would cause Scottish sectors. In this, he has been proved right but like in other areas he failed to deliver.
“We have the opportunity to correct that post-Brexit omission. In presenting this proposal, I am putting forward a suggestion that has been supported by other political parties, stakeholders and the leading think tank Reform Scotland and it is my hope you will instruct Scottish Labour MPs to rise above party politics and back our Bill in the interests of Scotland’s economy.
“This is obviously the second reading of the Bill and, if passed, I am sure that we can work together at the next stage to ensure a piece of legislation that takes into account our differing political priorities whilst meeting demands from Scotland’s key sectors.
“This Bill is a reasonable and practical step to progress a Scottish Visa and I am open to negotiating and working with colleagues from across the political spectrum to ensure this Bill can win support from as many MPs as possible.
“Voters expect pre-election and pre-Referendum commitments to be kept, and I look forward to hearing from you on how we can pass this Bill in the best interests of the Scottish people and wider economy.
“I am copying in the Secretary of State for Scotland given the important role that he will have to play in the House of Commons.
“Yours sincerely,
Stephen Gethins”
