IT really shouldn’t be controversial to say it: Scotland needs more workers.

Immigration is, of course, a political hot potato. That’s hardly news nor surprising.

But there must be a radical shift in the narrative around immigration that stops demonising those fleeing famine, persecution and war – those seeking to settle and build a better live for themselves and their families.

We need to face up to the fact that many of the conditions causing people to migrate – war, climate change, trade agreements that favour rich countries – are sustained by the very same politicians that bemoan migration.

If we want to cut migration, then we must cut global inequality. In the meantime, we’ll continue to support the right of people to move and not to move.

Contrary to what political actors across the spectrum want you to believe, our public services aren’t being drained by those from abroad; they’re being decimated by those from within – austerity seeking, spending prudent politicians of both Holyrood and Westminster.

Last week alone, the Prime Minister is targeting those working in hospitality and fast food – the drivers and cyclists of your favourite takeaway delivery services.

Yet again, the Prime Minister misses the wider picture. In his continued attempt to reclaim the ground seized by Reform, the tough on immigration chatter highlights how migrants are forced into insecure, pitiful paid labour, exploited by companies who give them zero working rights whilst extracting sheer profit from their work.

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