"People have come to live here, to contribute to our economy, and they are welcome. Scotland faces particular challenges about the size of our working-age population, so we need to attract a larger working-age population. Morally and philosophically, I disagree with Jim Ratcliffe, and economically I disagree with him, because migration helps to boost our economy, and that's a good thing for our country."
"Obviously I listen to him, but I disagree with him I don't have to agree with everything I listen to. I think what Jim Ratcliffe is doing is making a mistake about the economic opportunities and necessities that we face in Scotland today. We've got very low unemployment and we've got a shortage of working-age population. That says to me we've got to be open to migration to boost and grow our economy."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the UK had been colonised by immigrants and incorrectly stated the population increased by 12 million since 2020. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer requested an apology and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called the remarks inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory. The billionaire later issued an apology. Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he fundamentally disagreed with Ratcliffe, arguing that migration has benefited the United Kingdom and Scotland, and that migrants contribute to the economy. Swinney emphasized Scotland's shortage of working-age people and low unemployment, saying migration is necessary to boost growth and that the UK Government is obstructing that opportunity.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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