Theresa May’s EU migrant stance is a chilling reminder of how nasty the Tories are

There may be confusion about the role of EU immigrants in Westminster, but there’s none in Scotland. Our message is clear: this is your home, you are welcome here, your contribution is valued. Scotland needs immigration, and we’ve been delighted to welcome EU citizens here over the last few years and decades. They are the new Scots. They are our nurses, teachers, small-business owners and are an important and cherished part of our society. It’s quite understandable that people are aghast at Theresa May using EU immigrants as bargaining chips. But it is a chilling reminder of just how ‘nasty’ the Tory party still is. As Nicola Sturgeon was able to say to all EU nationals after the referendum: you’re welcome, and if you choose to make Scotland your home then we’ll welcome you, and thank you for strengthening our country. This wasn’t a radical statement: it was a statement of basic humanity and decency.