From the archives: McConnell move to ease rules on immigration; 27 September, 2004

JACK McConnell, the First minister, wants changes made to the UK immigration system to help reverse Scotland’s declining population, it emerged last night.

The First Minister revealed that he has been in private discussions with the Home Office to try to give the Scottish Executive more power over the rules governing who can and cannot enter the country.

Mr McConnell has become concerned that policies designed to prevent a huge influx in the south-east of England are inhibiting the number of skilled professionals who might come to Scotland.

Mr McConnell, speaking at a fringe event at the Labour conference in Brighton, said: “Migration can be managed within the UK, that is if we do it in a way which is flexible and recognises different circumstances in different parts of the country.”

• archive.scotsman.com