Michael Gove takes up Jamie Stone's invitation
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Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, has agreed to visit the Highlands at the request of far north MP, Jamie Stone.
In the House of Commons Chamber Mr Stone asked Mr Gove to come to the Highlands and meet representatives from the tourism and fishing industry.
Mr Gove said he would be “delighted to do so”.
Arrangements are currently being made as to when the visit will happen.
Mr Stone’s invitation came about following concerns of the hotel and tourism industry that many of their EU workforce are being discouraged from staying and working in the UK.
Additionally, representations have been made to Mr Stone by fish processors in the Highlands pointing out that any delay in getting their products to European markets would be deeply damaging.
In the chamber Mr Stone said: "I have often referred in this place to the concerns of the Highland tourism industry, in particular hotels, about the continuing employment of EU nationals, many of whom are heading homeward, and the concerns of fish processors about getting their fresh produce to European markets in good time. Will the Secretary of State, who is a good Scot, consider coming to the Highlands to meet representatives of those industries? He would be most welcome."
Mr Gove replied:"I would be delighted to do so. Any opportunity to visit the hon gentleman’s constituency is a welcome one. He is absolutely right that the hospitality industry is integral to the success of the Highlands' economy. We want to make sure that in the future those who provide such a high standard of hospitality have access to the skilled labour they need."
Speaking after the exchange, Mr Stone said: “The Conservatives’ points-based immigration system would be disastrous for the Highlands.
"In my view, keeping tourists happy in the hospitality industry is a highly skilled job – but that’s not what Priti Patel thinks. How the Government differentiates between ‘low’ and ‘high’ skilled workers is something I will want to discuss with Michael Gove when he’s here.
“On the fish processing side, we have much to be proud of. Fish products coming from the Highlands are some of the finest in the world, and that is why European buyers want them. Any delay in getting them to the markets impacts on the freshness of the products. This is a point that I am sure will be made loud and clear to Mr Gove when he comes north.”
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