Full Breakdown
Scotland's Immigration Debate Intensifies Ahead of Holyrood Election
4/28/2026, 10:42:16 AM
Immigration Debate Takes Center Stage in Scottish Election Campaign
During BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show debate, SNP Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan claimed Scotland receives “too few” migrants and that migration is “good and necessary” for the economy. Representatives from six parties discussed the issue ahead of the 7 May Holyrood election.
Historical and Policy Context
Immigration remains a reserved matter for the UK Parliament, yet a BBC Scotland poll placed it fourth among voter priorities, behind cost of living, health and the economy, making it a pivotal election issue.
Party Positions and Key Figures
SNP’s Mairi McAllan said migrants are essential. Thomas Kerr warned the housing system is at a “breaking point”. Stephen Kerr said Westminster lost border control. Christine Jardine and Michael Marra said immigration closes a skills gap. Patrick Harvie, Greens, called asylum seekers “valuable” and warned against equating them with illegal migration.
Data on Migration, Housing, and Labour Market
Reform UK claimed 65 % of Glasgow’s homeless are “illegal” migrants. 43 % of homelessness applicants were refugees or leave-to-remain holders, versus a 15 % national average. The SNP says it met its 100,000-home target and plans 110,000 more by 2032, while opposition warns of a skills gap threatening care.
Official Statements & Responses
McAllan said migrants support hospitality, health and social-care, and housing pressure is due to slowed construction, not immigration. Stephen Kerr said Westminster lost border control. Jardine and Marra said immigration closes a skills gap. Harvie warned against linking asylum seekers to illegal immigration and blamed UK cuts for service strain.
Criticism & Opposition
Reform UK’s Thomas Kerr warned that asylum-seeker placements are pushing the housing system to breaking point, especially in Glasgow. Stephen Kerr echoed public anxiety over border control. Residents in Aberdeen reported feeling unsafe with asylum-seeker accommodation, and anti-racism groups warned that hostile rhetoric is rising.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Thomas Kerr’s claim that 65 % of Glasgow’s homeless are “illegal” migrants conflicts with the 15 % national figure, and no independent data verify the Glasgow statistic. The direct impact of migration on housing shortages also remains unquantified.
Verbatim Quotes
"too few" migrants are coming to Scotland — Mairi McAllan, SNP
"We are a welcoming nation" — Mairi McAllan, SNP
"When people arrive here by illegal means and seek asylum, they may have a right to do that, but if you arrive in this country by illegal means, then you cannot be permitted to stay." — Stephen Kerr, Conservative
"I don’t feel safe, I don’t feel comfortable," — Aberdeen resident
What's Next
The 7 May Holyrood election will test party positions on migration; a strong Reform UK showing could pressure the SNP to adjust its stance, while current polls keep the SNP as the frontrunner.
