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Stone highlights importance of migrant workers


By Alan Hendry

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North MP Jamie Stone has highlighted the importance of migrant workers to Scotland’s tourism industry and the delivery of public services.

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons on migration in Scotland, Mr Stone called on the Scottish Government to improve public services so as not to discourage migration to the Highlands.

“Attracting people who might be useful to our economy to move here, contribute to the economy and bring their families here is about more than just working conditions and the economy," said Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.

“It is also about services such as health, transport, education and, in the context of my constituency, even broadband connectivity.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Stone said: “Migrant workers must be able to continue living and working in Scotland. Many of them fill vital roles in the health service, education and the hospitality industry in the most rural areas of the UK, including the Highlands.

“We want to welcome people to come and work in the far north, not just because they are vital to local economies but also because immigration enriches our communities.

“But, given the tragic track record of the SNP on delivering public services, it is more vital than ever that we do not lose migrant workers who we rely on to keep our hospitals and schools running.

“To turn back the tide on depopulation the SNP must invest more in local services in rural areas, including health, education, transport and broadband. If they deliver in these areas more people will see our beautiful part of the world as somewhere to live and work.”

ENDS.


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