The SNP has warned the Tory government’s hostile migration policies are damaging Scotland’s NHS and economy – as a group of Tory MPs called for cuts to the number of overseas carers.
The New Conservatives today issued a 12-point plan to cut the number of migrants by 400,000 by closing visa schemes for care workers and increasing salary thresholds to £38,000, which would prevent many overseas workers from supporting Scottish public services and industries.
The Tory MPs’ plan to cut the number of carers comes in spite of a report by the Skills for Care charity, which said the number of vacancies in social care was at its highest rate on record, with 165,000 unfilled posts in 2021-22.
Commenting, SNP Home Affairs spokesperson, Alison Thewliss MP, said:
“These draconian Tory plans are a threat to Scotland’s economy, NHS and public services – and they show exactly why Scotland needs the full powers of independence.
“Scotland’s NHS, care sector and key industries are already facing staffing shortages because of Brexit – and these reckless plans to slash the number of overseas carers, nurses and workers would do even more damage to Scotland’s economy and public services.
“The Tories and pro-Brexit Labour Party are both engaged in a toxic race to the bottom on migration – inflicting long-term damage to our NHS and economy by ending EU membership and free movement, and introducing hostile policies that go against Scotland’s interests.
“The SNP is the only party fighting Scotland’s corner and offering real change with independence.
“Voting SNP at the next election is the only way to ensure Scotland has the powers needed to build a migration system that benefits our economy and supports public services – and it’s the only way to get rid of unelected Tory governments for good.”
