Emma Roddick MSP has responded to Anas Sarwar bizarrely blaming the SNP for a lack of visa routes to Scotland, a reserved matter which the SNP has long called for power over to be devolved.

The SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands said:

“Anas Sarwar previously claimed that he was pushing the Home Office for a Scottish visa before it was revealed that no such discussions had taken place. He then stood meekly by as his Westminster bosses danced to Nigel Farage’s tune by imposing more hostile immigration policies.

“Scotland has distinct immigration needs – we need to attract people to work in our NHS, care sector and across the wider economy. With the fresh start of independence we can create an immigration system which works for Scotland rather than for hostile politicians and media based hundreds of miles away in Westminster.”