Exclusive:SNP adviser accused of 'undermining Scottish Government officials' over immigration policy

Special Adviser Kate Higgins was part of a row with an official after she seemingly pushed to include devolution of immigration powers in a comment, a Freedom of Information Request has revealed.

But emails - seen by The Scotsman - showed the official had to remind Ms Higgins that it was “not in line” with the official policy of “developing workable solutions for Scotland within the current system” - rather than seeking more powers for Holyrood.

The official also said ”our asks within the immigration system are absolutely deliverable within the current constitutional settlement”.

Immigration is reserved to Westminster. But the SNP has regularly called for a separate Scottish visa to attract more people north of the Border.

Labour MP Joani Reid said the emails showed “SNP immigration policy is always the look and not the substance”.

In an email chain about a response to UK immigration policy on June 30, Ms Higgins had suggested amending a draft quote.

A member of the Migration Strategy Team then asked her: “Can we [redacted] focus on calling for the UK Government to work with us on delivering an immigration system which works for Scotland?”

Ms Higgins then replied: “Is full devolution of migration [redacted] Scottish Government policy?”

The official replied: “Policy approach is to focus on delivery of approaches, included tailored migration approaches, within the current constitutional settlement.”

Ms Higgins wrote back: “Can we leave the lines as they are thanks.”

She then added: “Sorry as I have amended I mean.”

The official then wrote: “This is not in line with [redacted] focusing on the importance of developing workable solutions for Scotland within the current system – this is reflected in ministerial and official correspondence, publications we’ve released this year.”

Ms Higgins replied: “Can we leave the lines as they are thanks.”

Another official then said: “Our argument has been that our asks within the immigration system are absolutely deliverable within the current constitutional settlement [redacted].

“I am wary of shifting that position unless I am misunderstanding the ask. [redacted] I would be wary of undermining our core argument back to [the UK Government].”

Ms Higgins then said: “If we could revert to the nuanced version of the line please.”

Then, on August 11, Ms Higgins emailed the Migration Strategy Team: “Could we also include lines that reflect [redacted] on independence and devolution of migration please? Just needs a couple of sentences added in.”

But the official replied: “Happy to assist with lines on migration approach if helpful, please let me know. To pick up on previous conversations in this space, our engagement [redacted] on migration has consistently been focussed on ensuring that changes to the existing reserved immigration system are delivered to best support Scotland’s needs, including in the IHE sector.”

Ms Higgins replied: “I am aware of that [redacted] but it is also [redacted] to support [redacted] immigration policy through independence and as I am sure you may have noticed, the First Minister is keen for Ministers to promote that currently.”

East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Ms Reid said: “John Swinney’s special advisers seem to be busy undermining the work of officials who want to work in co-operation with the UK government.

“For the SNP immigration policy is always the look and not the substance.

“They have adopted a ‘strike a pose there’s nothing to it’ approach – but they are going to find out that their endless quest to be hyper-progressives is no longer in vogue with Scottish families who want controlled and fair immigration that works for Scotland’s economy and future.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Special Advisers across the UK and devolved governments provide important assistance to Ministers on the development of policy and its presentation, and it is appropriate that part of that includes liaising with officials on the drafting of comments and other advice.”