PETE Wishart was left looking unimpressed with the Scottish Secretary’s answer to a question on immigration.
The SNP’s deputy Westminster leader asked a question on the issue as John Swinney has called on the UK Government to work with him to develop a “tailored” migration policy for Scotland.
This is despite the Labour Government repeatedly ruling out working on a bespoke Scottish visa of any kind despite Anas Sarwar’s claims he had been in discussions with the Home Secretary about this.
Responding to a question on “steps to strengthen the Union” at Scotland Questions, Wishart (above) asked Murray: “Surely the best way for them to strengthen their Union is for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together on issues of pressing attention.
“Issues like immigration and demography. 20 years ago, there was a Fresh Talent initiative. Today the First Minister is going to launch his graduate plans to get graduates from all over the world to come to Scotland.
“Will he encourage the Home Office to work with the Scottish Government to achieve this?”
We told earlier this month how MSPs voted to support an SNP Government motion calling on the UK Government to act on a bespoke Scottish visa scheme.
In his response to Wishart, Murray said: “Mr Speaker, we have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government.
“I think I spend more time with the Deputy First Minister than the honourable gentlemen does himself.
“I suspect he should spend more time with his own side discussing issues that are of interest to the Scottish people.
“We’re determined to deliver. We’ll do that in partnership and that’s what resetting the relationship is all about.”
The UK Government also previously denied it was looking at bespoke visa scheme following reports in October, which had been sparked by comments from Scottish Labour MP John Grady.
