A Church of Scotland minister has warned that plans to introduce a post-Brexit immigration system to the UK will likely result in people of lower incomes losing out.
Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum, warned that the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill would also make it harder for hardworking people to come to Britain. She added that migrants continue to make an “enormous contribution” to society, with many demonstrating their value as key workers.
The legislation effectively repeals EU freedom of movement and introduces a "points system" for immigration. It has been initially approved by MPs in the House of Commons.
Dr Brown, minister of Dornoch Cathedral in the Highlands, said: “What worries me is this legislation will reduce migration, making it harder for people to come here.
“It will favour those with higher incomes, instead of creating a country which allows all people to have the opportunity to come, contribute and flourish.”
She added that the Church of Scotland will continue to champion “dignity and compassion" in public policy, noting that "as a Church we know and value the contribution of all human beings equally, whether they were born in the UK or not."
Brown continued: “We also know the enormous contribution of migrants to our society in the areas of culture, the economy, public service, especially in the recent weeks of the Coronavirus pandemic, to health and social care.
“We have ministers, elders and members of the Church of Scotland who are migrants and rejoice in that.
“Our Church has never been so diverse, representing the people of God from all corners of the globe.”
