Keith Brown MSP has welcomed the publishing of ‘Citizenship in an independent Scotland’; a new Independence Paper from the Scottish Government which outlines the citizenship policy of an independent Scotland. The fairer, more inclusive and welcoming approach to citizenship outlined in ‘Citizenship in an independent Scotland will be key in tackling Scotland’s population decline – and this is essential to growing the economy.

By adopting an inclusive approach to citizenship, more people would be able to live and work in Scotland – boosting the local and national economy, and Scotland’s population.  

The process would be modelled on the Irish citizenship system; allowing those born outwith the country after independence to be automatically entitled to Scottish citizenship if one of their parents is a Scottish citizen.

The paper also includes proposals for a fairer fee system for citizenship applications and a commitment to establish an independent Migrants’ Commissioner, which was a key recommendation of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review.

This compassionate approach, centered on upholding human rights, is in stark contrast to the inhumane and not-fit-for-purpose immigration system championed by the Westminster Tories, who’s Illegal Migration Bill has been heavily criticised for breaching legal obligations to refugees fleeing conflict.

Commenting, Keith Brown MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane said: 

“Clackmannanshire and Dunblane wants no part to play in the Tory government’s negative approach to citizenship and immigration – so I welcome this new paper from the Scottish Government, which shows how we can use an inclusive approach to citizenship in an independent Scotland to grow our population and support our economy.

“Scotland is known globally for our welcoming people and hospitable traditions, so it’s only right that the approach of an independent Scotland to citizenship reflects this, and leaves no one with a rightful claim out in the cold.

“From a hard Brexit we didn’t vote for to an austerity driven cost of living crisis, people in Scotland are paying a heavy price for being tied to the compassionless Westminster Tories, who’s unelected Lords and over privileged ministers have no place dictating Scotland’s democratic wishes. It’s time to choose a better path with independence and build a welcoming and economically prosperous Scotland.”