Defence, immigration debated at politics festival

DEFENCE, immigration and social media dominated the final day of the Festival of Politics, held in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

Scotland's defence capability was at the top of the agenda in yesterday's Festival of Politics. Picture: PA

The impact of the referendum on the defence industry in Scotland was put under the microscope at a lively debate on Scotland’s defence capability with panellists including Angus Robertson MP and the Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP.

Policies on immigration relating to asylum, human rights, worker quotas and border controls for Scotland and the UK were also debated, while the extent of influence that small independent nations could wield using social media was also discussed.

The Scottish Parliament’s annual festival, which includes a three day programme of politics, music, art, theatre and debate, also featured a screening of Ken Loach film The Spirit of ’45 and panel discussions featuring Scotsman columnists Joyce McMillan and Gerry Hassan.

For more information on the festival visit festivalofpolitics.org.uk