Burnham set to reject SNP plea for a separate Scottish visa as Scotland's population prepares to fall

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to flatly reject SNP calls for a Scotland-specific visa system, despite the Scottish Government preparing to publish a new paper warning that population decline will devastate communities and public services within years. Business Minister Tom Arthur is set to invite the UK Migration Minister to talks on tailoring immigration to Scotland's needs, arguing that a UK-wide system cannot serve communities in rural and island areas where depopulation is a growing threat. Scotland's population is projected to fall from around 5.55 million to 5.47 million by 2049, with deaths expected to exceed births from the early 2030s onwards.

The SNP proposals are reportedly not set to be considered by Downing Street, though Burnham is said to have 'open ears' to plans boosting economic growth.

The SNP paper is expected to propose two pilot schemes running for five years — a rural visa and a Scottish graduate visa — to address skills shortages in areas where vacancies go unfilled.

Tom Arthur is set to warn that Westminster's decision to shut down the adult social care visa route will leave Scotland's workforce depleted across the sector.