Been scanning the latest from the Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population (17/2/21), with their latest output, the snappily titled “Designing a Pilot Remote and Rural Migration Scheme for Scotland: Analysis and Policy Options.” Designing a pilot remote and rural migration scheme: analysis and policy options – gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
The members of this Expert group are:
- Professor Christina Boswell (University of Edinburgh), listed as a Political Sociologist with an interest in Immigration and “Knowledge” – hopefully she has read “Knowledge and Decisions” by Thomas Sowell.
- Professor David Bell (University of Stirling – Emeritus) Economist.
- Dr Andrew Copus (Karelian Institute, University of eastern Finland) Economic Geographer.
- Professor Rebecca Kay (University of Glasgow) Russian gender Studies with an interest and involvement in Migration and Asylum.
- Professor Hill Kulu (University of St Andrews) Economic Geography and Demographics.
All have long academic experience in areas that seem relevant, so on to the report.
By Government standards it’s not too long – sixty odd pages – and it’s an interesting read, outlining some ideas to counter de-population – a problem that affects all of Scotland. The authors are right about that and they are also right to point out that, almost uniquely, there is cross party agreement that this is a key concern for Scotland. Three separate pilot proposals are presented:
(a) Skilled Worker Route – Essentially creating a Strategic Occupation List. Involves very little change to UK immigration policy.
(b) Scottish Visa – In designated areas. No employer identified and a points based system (noting more points for STEM subjects). Needs Westminster approval I think.
(c) Remote and Rural Partnership Scheme = A job based scheme that involves a “broader partnership between Government, national and local, public services, voluntary sector etc.
It’s quite cautious, recognising (I think) the experimental nature of a top down proposal for driving immigration to remote areas (not sure exactly where).
For my own part, I’m not a lover of these sort of proposals. The truth of the matter is that, generally, the flow of people across the globe tells you all you need to know about how well we are doing as a country. The Scottish population has inched up a bit in the last few years, although less than England’s and that has covered a period when in the EU with free movement. So we have a challenge and that means getting the basics right – freedom and political stability, and then creating more jobs and more wealth in the country.
To this end I cannot see how we solve this population problem without addressing macro issues such as fast broadband across the country, sensible land reform with fewer planning restrictions and a competitive corporate tax and regulation approach. On these later issues I see very little evidence of progress.
Anyway have a read of the report.
Make Scotland Better 