The U.K. Conservative Party leadership race is heating up, and candidate Kemi Badenoch has made her stance on immigration clear: Scotland should not get control over its immigration and visa policies. Her statement comes amid renewed calls from Scottish lawmakers who argue that more localized immigration control could address critical labor shortages.
The debate shines a spotlight on deep-seated differences between Scotland and England over immigration, fueling a broader discussion about national identity, labor needs, and the impact of Brexit on U.K. policies.
Why Scotland Wants More Control Over Immigration
In Scotland, where the population growth rate has slowed and labor shortages are straining key industries, local leaders have long argued for more control over immigration policies. The Scottish National Party (SNP) recently renewed its push for a “Scottish visa” to counteract the demographic challenges brought by an aging population and low birth rates.
SNP representative Stephen Gethins voiced his concerns, stating, “We need a Scottish visa to address our demographic challenges and the damage caused by Brexit.” Labor-intensive sectors like health and social care have been hit particularly hard, with a shortage of workers leading to declining conditions for both employees and patients.
Since Brexit, which Scotland largely opposed, the country’s reliance on EU labor has been starkly highlighted. Scottish leaders believe that a more flexible visa policy could attract the foreign workers necessary to stabilize these sectors, while Westminster continues to handle immigration with a national policy that prioritizes overall migration reduction.
Kemi Badenoch’s Argument: Immigration Policy Should Be U.K.-Wide
Kemi Badenoch’s stance is rooted in the belief that immigration is a matter of national security and should remain centralized under U.K. jurisdiction. During a BBC interview, Badenoch remarked, “You cannot devolve immigration (…) the borders are the borders of the United Kingdom, not between Scotland and England.”
She points out that allowing Scotland to create its own visa system could be difficult to “police,” implying that multiple immigration policies within the U.K. might complicate enforcement and lead to disparities in migration numbers. With this perspective, Badenoch aligns with her Conservative predecessors, who have long prioritized tightening immigration as part of their platform.
Her opposition to a devolved immigration policy is shared by her main rival, Robert Jenrick, signaling a unified stance within the Conservative leadership on this issue. As both candidates aim to strengthen their positions, they focus on reducing net migration—an approach that has long resonated with the English electorate but creates tension with Scotland’s labor and population needs.
Scotland’s Unique Demographic Challenge
Scotland’s demographic picture is unique in the U.K., with a declining birth rate that has led to population shrinkage in many areas. While England has largely relied on domestic upskilling as a solution to labor shortages, this approach is seen as insufficient in Scotland, where fewer people are entering the workforce each year. Alan Wilson, chair of the Scottish trade body Construction Industry Collective Voice, emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting, “In Scotland, for the past few years, more people are dying than being born.” With births now less than half of what they were in the 1960s, Scotland is facing both a skills shortage and an overall shortage of working-age individuals.
A recent survey highlights the depth of these issues, with 35% of businesses in Scotland’s construction sector reporting difficulties in finding skilled workers. The Labour government’s emphasis on training domestic workers does little to alleviate concerns, as many doubt that upskilling alone can compensate for such a steep decline in available labor.
| Demographic Statistic | Scotland | England |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) | 8.6 | 11.1 |
| Population Growth Rate (%) | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Aging Population (65+%) | 20.6 | 18.3 |
| Labor Shortages in Construction | 35% | 24% |
These figures highlight the scale of Scotland’s demographic and economic challenges, and illustrate why local leaders feel that more control over immigration could be a viable solution. For Scotland, it’s not just about skill gaps—it’s about ensuring there are enough people to keep the economy running.
The Role of Devolved Powers in Immigration Policy
In the U.K., devolution allows Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to set certain policies independently, including those for education, health, and transportation. However, immigration has remained under Westminster’s control, a choice driven by the belief that consistent national borders require unified policies.
Yet Scotland’s approach to other devolved powers has often leaned toward more progressive policies than England’s. For instance, Scotland has focused on creating inclusive housing and transportation policies to help refugees and asylum seekers integrate more easily. Local leaders argue that immigration control would naturally complement these efforts, helping fill job vacancies while fostering economic integration in ways that reflect Scotland’s specific needs and values.
Badenoch’s opposition to devolution on immigration highlights the fundamental differences in policy preferences and priorities between Scotland and the current U.K. government. For many in Scotland, Westminster’s stance on immigration feels disconnected from the country’s reality.
Political Implications: Labour’s Mixed Response and Conservative Pushback
Interestingly, the U.K.’s Labour government, despite showing some willingness to entertain the SNP’s proposal for devolved immigration powers, has ultimately sided with a single national immigration policy. Labour leaders have acknowledged Scotland’s economic needs but also recognize the political sensitivities surrounding migration in England, where overall net migration is a highly charged issue.
The debate has implications beyond policy, touching on the independence movement in Scotland. Many pro-independence Scots view the U.K.’s control over immigration as a sign that Scotland’s interests are overlooked within the union. Prominent SNP leader John Swinney recently expressed a desire to collaborate with the Labour government to address the labor crisis but warned that continued pushback could fuel separatist sentiment.
Conservatives, meanwhile, argue that Brexit has already given the U.K. the control it needs to regulate its borders, and allowing separate immigration policies could undermine that control. For Badenoch and Jenrick, maintaining a unified immigration system is not just about policy—it’s about preserving the U.K. itself.
