Sturgeon warns new immigration policy will be 'devastating' for Scotland

UK Government plans to end freedom of movement and introduce a new points-based immigration system will be "devastating'' for Scotland, the country's First Minister has warned.

Nicola Sturgeon criticised the proposals, which have also been condemned by Scotland's care and tourism sectors.

Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, claimed UK ministers were "in cloud cuckoo land'' while the Scottish Tourism Alliance branded the plans "the biggest threat to Scotland's tourism industry''.

They made the comments after the UK Government announced it will stop providing visas to low-skilled migrant workers, instead outlining plans for a new points-based system.

Ms Sturgeon tweeted: "It is impossible to overstate how devastating this UK gov policy will be for Scotland's economy. Our demographics mean we need to keep attracting people here - this makes it so much harder. Getting power over migration in @ScotParl is now a necessity for our future prosperity.''

Ben Macpherson, the Scottish Government's migration minister, accused the Conservative government of "engaging in dog-whistle politics''.

The proposals, which will bring about the end of freedom of movement for people, are "incredibly worrying and concerning'', he said.

To address the demographic challenges Scotland faces with its ageing population, Ms Sturgeon last month put forward plans for a distinctive "Scottish visa''.

But this was rejected by the Government, whose new immigration policy statement argues the UK economy needs to move away from a reliance on "cheap labour from Europe''.

The changes outlined are designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain from the beginning of next year, but aim to make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas.

Announcing the policy during a visit to Imperial College in west London, Home Secretary Priti Patel told the PA news agency: "It is right that people should speak English before they come to our country, that they should have a sponsored route, whether it's through employment or a sponsored route through an academic institution.''

Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: "The announcement of the UK Government's plans for a new points-based immigration system appears now be the biggest threat to Scotland's tourism industry.

"We have very fragile areas in our economy and it is more important than ever that we're able to attract and retain people, particularly in the Highlands and Islands and other rural areas.

"We need a differentiated system that is responsive to the specific needs of our tourism industry, our demography and our wider economy and sectors.''

Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on MFR. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.