Rosie hits out over PM's 'shameful demonisation of migrants'
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FAR north SNP candidate Karl Rosie has hit out at the Prime Minister’s latest comments on migration, branding them "shameful".
In a TV interview this week, Boris Johnson said: “You’ve seen quite a large number of people coming in from the whole of the EU – 580 million population – able to treat the UK as though it’s basically part of their own country.”
Mr Rosie, who is contesting the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross seat in Thursday's general election, said: “Boris Johnson’s comments further confirm that the Tories are completely out of line with Scotland’s values. The Prime Minister's shameful demonisation of migrants in no way represents Scotland’s views on migration.
“An end to migration will have a detrimental impact on our population size, in a constituency that already faces a real threat of depopulation.”
Projections from a Highland Council report show that by 2041 the population is expected to decline by 21 per cent in Caithness, 12 per cent in Sutherland and 14 per cent in Easter Ross.
Mr Rosie said: “All of Scotland’s population growth for the next 25 years is projected to come from migration. By exiting the EU, we are accelerating the risk of depopulation.
An end to migration will have a detrimental impact on our population size.
“An ageing population combined with a sudden loss of migrants from the EU makes population growth extremely difficult.
“I am passionate about investing in our future. I have an extensive background in renewables and I believe that by building stronger links between the renewables industry and our communities we can not only increase employment opportunities but also make progress in repopulating our rural communities.
“Being a member of the European Union would be absolutely crucial to this process.
“A vote for the SNP on Thursday is a vote to protect our EU membership and put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands – not Boris Johnson’s. If elected, I will stand up for the issues facing our constituency, ensuring that our voices are heard.”
