Latest news with #MacAskill
The National
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish care sector chief rips into Keir Starmer's immigration plans
Donald MacAskill has said he is 'profoundly concerned' at proposals set out by the Prime Minister which include cutting overseas care workers. Starmer said the UK risks becoming an 'island of strangers' without further controls on immigration. He also said the Labour Government would 'take back control of our borders' and close the book on a 'squalid chapter' for politics and the economy. The UK Government is set to close the care worker visa route as part of new restrictions which aim to cut the number of low-skilled foreign workers by about 50,000 this year. READ MORE: Keir Starmer to close legal route that allowed Palestinians to settle in UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said it is "time to end that care worker recruitment from abroad" and rules will change this year - instead requiring firms to hire British nationals or extend visas of overseas workers already in the country. MacAskill said the care sector in Scotland had not been consulted about the announcement. He told The National the language used by Starmer has echoes of Enoch Powell, who in 1968 criticised the rapid influx of immigrants from the Commonwealth to the UK in his 'Rivers of Blood' speech. The Scottish Care CEO said Starmer's approach will create a 'hostile environment' for care workers, making it harder for the sector to hang on to international workers. He told The National: 'The phraseology of the prime minister is extremely negative and almost reaches a level of anti-immigrant rhetoric which is really playing into the hands of some of our more negative voices in the political area. 'That means holding onto the thousands of care workers that come from international communities, who are delivering care and part of our communities today, will be increasingly difficult because it's creating a hostile environment. 'As a bit of student of political history I cannot but conclude that it has echoes of Powell at his worst. It is deeply regrettable that using language that plays into negative stereotypes around the contribution of migrants will lead to a devaluing of their contribution. 'The skills and the abilities of our international colleagues are excellent and we have to hold onto our colleagues. We have to get the UK Government to reconsider. (Image: NQ) 'I want Mr Starmer to answer me – where are we going to get these workers if not internationally?' MacAskill (above) is not the first to make the comparison between Starmer and Powell, with MP Zarah Sultana also saying he "imitated" the Rivers of Blood speech with his words. "That speech fuelled decades of racism and division. Echoing it today is a disgrace," she said. MacAskill said even if every pupil coming out of Scottish schools were to go into the care sector, there would still not be enough people to deliver care and support. The Prime Minister imitating Enoch Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech is sickening. That speech fuelled decades of racism and division. Echoing it today is a disgrace. It adds to anti-migrant rhetoric that puts lives at risk. Shame on you, Keir Starmer. — Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) May 12, 2025 He said the plan announced by Starmer failed to recognise the problem Scotland faces of an ageing workforce, adding it has become clear the nation needs to have powers over immigration. 'The rhetoric which is about at the moment, that all we need to do is train those who are economically inactive, is absolutely naïve,' said MacAskill. 'There is this perception that care is low-skilled any anybody can do it with a bit of training and it's absolutely false.' READ MORE: Keir Starmer branded 'pound shop Farage' in immigration crackdown He went on: 'We need an immigration system which is based on sector need, and that is clearly the case in Scotland, and secondly a system that is based on geographical priorities and I would argue there is a very strong case for a distinct approach in Scotland to the rest of the UK. 'Similar systems exist in Canada and Australia, and very effectively. It's because the question of nationalism becomes associated with this that we haven't got the maturity of political debate to enable a recognition that parts of Scotland, parts of Wales and indeed parts of the south-west of England do need a different approach to immigration.' Immigration expert Emile Chabal, a professor of contemporary history at Edinburgh University, has also said the Labour Government's approach could lead to a dismantling of the care sector. 'The care sector has for a long time relied on cheap foreign labour and this overwhelmingly has come from non-EU migrants in the last two decades,' he told The National. (Image: PA) 'So there's a very real risk of the bottom falling out of that sector. 'The problem is the lag – it takes time to recruit people, it takes time to train people, and if this legislation is implemented it will make it much more difficult for those in the care sector to employ people quickly.' Under the white paper proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship, but so-called 'high-contributing' individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system. Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English. Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning that they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language. READ MORE: UK media given handbooks after 'normalising Israel's genocide in Gaza' Meanwhile, skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages. Ministers are looking to bring down net migration figures, which stood at 728,000 in the year to mid-2024. Chabal said there is a 'real problem' with how successive UK governments have become 'hostage' to net migration figures, making him doubt if Starmer's plan is realistic. He said: 'I think it's a double edge sword – on the one hand successive governments have been using net migration targets to try and show they are doing something, they're trying to signal 'we can bring this down, we have a metric we can use to show you we're doing something'. 'But by emphasising migration targets that focuses public attention on the figures and actually, those are much more difficult to control than most governments are willing to admit and that's a real problem. 'So whether any of these policies will be effective, I'd be concerned about that.'
The National
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
John Swinney urged to join Independence Summit by Alba
Alba party leader Kenny MacAskill has called on the heads of all of the main pro-Scottish independence parties to unite and take part in his party's summit ahead of the All Under One Banner (AOUB) March in Glasgow on Saturday. Earlier in April, Alba MSP Ash Regan called for a convention to be held a year out from the Holyrood elections, insisting that 'energy' needs to be rebuilt if independence is to be a 'realistic proposition' to voters. However, the SNP sidestepped Alba's call, and the Greens poured cold water on the proposal, saying the party has 'significantly different visions about what an independent Scotland would look like'. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar 'shamefully silent' as Labour MPs demand 'change' from Keir Starmer MacAskill has now written to the leaders of each of Scotland's pro-independence parties urging them to reconsider their decision following Reform UK's surge in the English local elections on Friday. He added that by attending the summit, all parties involved can help create a clear way forward for demanding and achieving independence. MacAskill (below) wrote: 'Scotland is crying out for Independence as sky high energy costs and the threat posed to the poorest and weakest in our society from Westminster's benefit cuts clearly demonstrates. (Image: Andy Buchanan/PA Wire) 'In the week when oil refining finally ended at Grangemouth with the loss of 400 jobs and it was revealed that 80,000 children in Scotland are living in severe poverty. And just yesterday, we witnessed the beginning of Farage's march to Downing Street. It is beyond doubt that Westminster rule is failing the people of Scotland. 'An urgent push for Independence is essential. The coming Holyrood election can be Scotland's Independence Election but it requires all pro-Independence parties to come together in a show of unity. 'We can disagree about the why of Independence but we can all agree on the urgent necessity of achieving Independence and begin to discuss and agree how we get there.' AUOB organisers said they expect around 5000 people to join the demonstration this Saturday, which will begin in the city's West End. The march will set off from Kelvin Way at 11.30am, moving through the city centre before ending at Glasgow Green. Organisers have encouraged demonstrators to bring banners, placards, megaphones, flags, pipes, and drums to create a lively and visible display of support for Scottish independence. At the rally, Alba's MacAskill is expected to call on other party leaders to agree to join the independence summit, as he said unity amongst the parties would be the bedrock towards the cause. MacAskill added: 'That is why I am writing to John and the other pro-Independence party leaders asking them to commit to taking part in an Independence Summit. 'Independence offers a better way for Scotland but we need to work together to achieve it. An Independence Summit can be the first step in charting a clear and positive way forward. 'Unity is strength, and must be the bedrock of the Independence cause. Let us unite the movement and come together in a show of unity. If we unite we will win!'
The Herald Scotland
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
MacAskill calls on Swinney to take part in independence summit
He wants Alba, the SNP, the Scottish Greens and the smaller pro independence parties, the Scottish Socialist Party and the Independence for Scotland Party to agree "a powerful statement" on independence which would be put in their manifestos for the poll in May 2026. In his letter Mr MacAskill, who served with Mr Swinney in Alex Salmond's governments, presses him to participate in the gathering, pointing out he recently convened a summit on tackling the populist right. READ MORE: Scottish Greens to stand in Holyrood by-election SNP tell Sarwar to back Scottish visa to boost economy and population Chapman keeps place on committee despite court ruling attack Last chance for SNP to deliver on key policies beckons He also points out Mr Swinney's willingness to work with Alba during this year's budget process in Holyrood, when Alba MSP Ash Regan voted for the government's tax and spending plans. "We both served throughout the entirety of Alex Salmond's government, from the historic breakthrough in 2007 through to the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum and its aftermath," Mr MacAskill, a former Scottish Government justice secretary, tells Mr Swinney. "I am sure you will agree that it was an exciting time for those involved, and one which we can all look back on with a great deal of pride in what we were able to achieve for the people of Scotland. Alba leader Kenny MacAskill (Image: PA) "Key to our success was the ability to work with individuals with whom we did not agree on everything, but with whom we could work on an issue-by-issue basis. Alex set the tone and as finance secretary you played a positive and constructive role. "During your own time as First Minister, you have demonstrated a willingness to work with the Alba Party to deliver and pass your recent budget. If you are willing to convene a summit on combating the rise of populism and the far right in Scotland then surely we must be able to work together for independence." Mr MacAskill is speaking at the pro-independence All Under One Banner march and rally in Glasgow today where he will call Mr Swinney to "put country before party" and to take part in the summit to chart a way forward for demanding and achieving independence at the Holyrood election in May next year. He is also writing to the leaders of the other pro-independence parties, including the Scottish Greens, the Scottish Socialist Party and the Independence for Scotland Party urging them to take part in the summit. He wants the leaders of all the parties to discuss "how we make the next Holyrood election a plebiscite election by, for example, agreeing on a simple and powerful statement to be included in each of our parties manifestos." In a statement, Mr MacAskill, who cited coverage from The Herald's campaign on poverty this week, said: "Scotland is crying out for independence as sky high energy costs and the threat posed to the poorest and weakest in our society from Westminster's benefit cuts clearly demonstrates. "In the week when oil refining finally ended at Grangemouth with the loss of 400 jobs and it was revealed that 80,000 children in Scotland are living in severe poverty it is beyond doubt that Westminster rule is failing the people of Scotland. "The coming Holyrood election can be Scotland's independence election but it requires all independence supporting parties to come together in a show of unity. We can disagree about the why of independence but we can all agree on the urgent necessity of achieving independence and begin to discuss and agree how we get there. "That is why I am writing to John and the other pro-independence party leaders asking them to commit to taking part in an independence summit to discuss how we make the next Holyrood election a plebiscite election by, for example, agreeing on a clear and unambiguous statement to be included in each of our parties manifestos. "Independence offers a better way for Scotland but we need to work together to achieve it. I believe an Independence Summit is an essential first step in charting a clear and positive way forward. Let us unite the movement and come together in an essential show of unity." The SNP was approached for comment. Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie said his party would not be taking part. "Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for a fairer, greener and independent Scotland in the European Union," he said. 'If we want to build a better country, lower the cost of living and tackle the climate crisis, we need the full powers of a normal independent country. 'We will always work with those who share our vision for a progressive Scotland to achieve those policies and improve people's lives. 'But we have a significantly different vision about the future of Scotland from Alba, so attending their summit wouldn't be appropriate.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Warnings of failing home care 'ignored', says union
Warnings that NHS home care in parts of the Highlands was over-stretched and failing were ignored for years before watchdogs stepped in, according to a union. The GMB said workers repeatedly warned Sutherland Care at Home Service managers that visits were being missed or cut short due to "understaffing and unrealistic schedules". Last month, the Care Inspectorate highlighted "serious and significant concerns" and said it could be closed down without immediate improvement. NHS Highland said it would work closely with staff to put actions in place as soon as possible, adding that it had begun an investigation. Care at Home offers support to people who find it difficult to manage daily routines. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds Lesley-Anne MacAskill, GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands, said staff had welcomed the Care Inspectorate report. She said: "They repeatedly warned the service was understaffed, repeatedly warned their visit schedules were unrealistic, and repeatedly warned management were failing to properly communicate with staff, service users and their families. "Every one of these warnings were ignored and the failure to respond put both staff and service users at risk." She added: "It is regrettable that it needs the intervention of the Care Inspectorate to make NHS Highland listen." Ms MacAskill said the criticism of the service had distressed care workers. In their report, inspectors acknowledged it was a "difficult and distressing time" for staff at the Sutherland service, but added that their first priority was always the health and wellbeing of care users. The Care Inspectorate issued an improvement notice calling for "safe and compassionate care and treatment" by a deadline of 25 May. The regulator stressed that this included support with medication, help with skin health and mobility assistance. Inspectors also said service users needed to be kept safe and healthy by ensuring that medication was "handled and administered correctly". Steps to ensure effective governance is in place to monitor the quality of care were also requested. The Care Inspectorate said that "failure to demonstrate compliance" with the improvements could lead to the service's registration being cancelled. NHS Highland said the watchdog had highlighted a number of areas for improvement. Pamela Stott, chief officer for adult social care, said: "We recognise this may cause anxiety for service users, their families and our staff. "We have developed an action plan to ensure the recommendations outlined in the Improvement Notice are implemented as quickly as possible." NHS Highland said a review process called a Large Scale Investigation (LSI) had formally started. Ms Stott said: "We are contacting service users, families and staff to provide support and guidance, including a direct contact from within our local social work teams. "We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and we want to reassure the local community we are working to address these concerns as soon as we can." NHS Highland GMB Scotland Care Inspectorate
The National
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Alba leader slams 'pointless' calls to ban Kneecap from Scottish festival
MacAskill, a former Scottish justice secretary, insisted there had been a 'kneejerk reaction' to Kneecap's comments, adding that calls to have them banned from the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow are 'utterly pointless'. He claimed on the BBC's Scotcast the band are being targeted for being outspoken on the actions of Israel in Gaza and what they said on stage in November 2023 was a 'throwaway comment'. A video emerged from a November 2023 gig, appearing to show a member of the group saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' John Swinney said Kneecap should be cut from the TRNSMT line-up on the back of the comments, saying they had 'crossed a line'. READ MORE: Kneecap break silence amid calls to prosecute and cut from TRNSMT But MacAskill said the reaction to the clip had been 'ludicrous'. He said: 'I think it's a kneejerk reaction to Kneecap, I think it's utterly pointless. 'The band have issued an apology for what was a throwaway remark some two years ago taken entirely out of context. 'There was a time when I grew up when people were calling for the banning of the Beatles because of things they had said relating themselves to being bigger than Jesus Christ or whatever. We've moved on from there, they've apologised for it, said it wasn't to be taken in the context that had been put forward, so let them get on with it. 'This is just ludicrous.' MacAskill said the 'real wrong' was the actions of Israel in carrying out a genocide in Gaza, which Kneecap has consistently called out. (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus) The Alba leader went on: 'This is two years ago, no one was expressing outrage two years ago. What has happened since then is not just that Kneecap have exploded in terms of getting the band's profile, but they've been very outspoken regarding the genocide that's taking place in Gaza. 'People seem outraged about Kneecap having mentioned that throwaway line and yet Britain is facilitating genocide in Gaza, kids are dying by the score on a daily basis. 'I think I know where the real wrong is and the real wrong is what is being perpetrated by Israel, not a remark by the band Kneecap several years ago.' When it was suggested to him there are other views on what is happening in Gaza, MacAskill criticised the BBC's coverage of Israel's assault on the enclave. He said: 'There are not alternatives to what is going on in Gaza. Let's be clear, there is a genocide in Gaza, that is fully accepted and documented. 'That is why the BBC has been getting into disrepute with its failure to call out Israel's action and the reason Kneecap is getting focus now is because they have been outspoken, they are capturing a generation of young people who are also appalled at a genocide that is taking place within their lifetime. 'So this is about closing down arguments about actions of Israel. Nothing to do with the throwaway remark.' READ MORE: Politicians want to cancel Kneecap – but stay silent on Chris Brown playing Hampden In a statement posted on X, the Belfast group – Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – said they 'reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. The band said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and condemned all attacks on civilians, apologising to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, saying 'we never intended to cause you hurt'. They said a video extract had been deliberately taken out of context and was being 'exploited and weaponised'. The band's gig at the Eden Project scheduled for July has been cancelled following the emergence of the footage.
