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Scottish Government quizzed on demographics of Scotland

14 September 2016

The Scottish Affairs Committee continue their inquiry into the demography of Scotland and implications for devolution, with their penultimate session taking evidence from Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for International Development and Europe in the Scottish Government. 

Witnesses

Wednesday 14 September 2016, The Grimond Room, Portcullis House

At 3.30pm:

  • Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for International Development and Europe, Scottish Government
  • Sarah Mohammed, National Records of Scotland, Scottish Government
  • Nikola Plunkett, Head of Migration Strategy, Scottish Government

Background

The session will focus on a number of issues including whether the Scottish Government has enough devolved powers to influence Scotland's demographics, how Scotland can attract and maintain talented young people, migration and the potential impact of Brexit on Scottish demographics. 

Chair's comments

Ahead of the session, committee Chair Pete Wishart commented:

"I am pleased that Dr Allan has agreed to appear before us and give us the Scottish Government's perspective on the potential demographic problems that lie ahead.

Scotland is facing the challenge of aging population and would like to attract and retain more migrants in order to counteract this trend.

We want to understand how Westminster and Holyrood can best work together to tackle the problems and examine whether the current devolution settlement is working best for Scotland."

Further information

Image: iStockphoto