Motion: Welcoming the Contribution of Migrants to Scottish Society

Welcoming the Contribution of Migrants to Scottish Society

Lodged by Colin Keir Standard Motion 23 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes the contribution made by successive generations of migrants from all over the world to Scotland; believes that migrants arrive in Scotland for a plethora of reasons, from relocation for work to refugees fleeing for their lives; considers that, regardless of the reasons for their arrival, those born outwith Scotland have formed and continue to form an integral part of Scottish society and culture; understands that the report, Characteristics of Recent and Established EEA and non-EEA migrants in Scotland: Analysis of the 2011 Census states that “half (49 per cent) of all migrants aged 16 and above had at least degree level qualifications”; believes that the diversity of skills that migration brings to the country is extremely valuable in terms of both the economy and research; notes with dismay what it views as the propagation of anti-migration myths by the Home Secretary in her recent speech to the Conservative Party conference, which has been condemned by the Institute of Directors among others for rhetoric that could harm business; believes that the use of anti-migration rhetoric on this subject is irresponsible, inflammatory and harmful to communities and that debate on this should be conducted according to fact, and assures migrants in Scotland that they are welcome here.

Supporters (23)