New MP urges UK to devolve immigration in maiden speech

Newly-elected SNP MP Anum Qaisar-Javed has made a plea for immigration to be devolved to Scotland in her maiden speech at Westminster.

Qaisar-Javed, who won her seat in the Airdrie and Shotts by-election last week, said that the UK’s point-based system, introduced at the start of this year, is “deeply flawed”.

And she explained that had the system been in place previously, her father would have been blocked from coming to the UK.

Speaking during a Queen’s speech debate in the Commons on a plan for the NHS and social care, she said: “The NHS would have collapsed without overseas staffing in immigrants who have made valuable contributions to this country.

“It may not be popular in some circles, but the points-based immigration system championed by the Government is deeply flawed.

“Were it in use when my father planned to come to live in this island, he would have been blocked and this country would have been deprived of one member of Parliament, one doctor and one medical student, myself and my siblings.

“This is one of the reasons why Scotland needs independence. So that policies best suited for our people’s needs are developed and delivered by those in Scotland.

“So, I end my maiden speech with a plea – please, let Scotland be free and in the short-time, devolve immigration so that we can set policies that are reflective of the needs of Scotland.”