Mr Stewart says there should be a constructive dialogue about creating a better migration policy that works for all and works for Scotland.

The external affairs secretary calls on the Scottish Tories to work cross-party to improve the family migration policy.

Mr Stewart says where that is need, his party will be happy to have some dialogue going forward.

He points out the Scottish Conservatives have not always agreed with their Westminster colleagues and he highlights efforts to bring back the post-study visa for two years.

We need a family migration system that is fair to families from all countries, he says.

Image source, Getty Images

International students will be allowed to stay in the UK for two years after graduation to find a job, under new proposals announced by the Home Office.

The move reverses a decision made in 2012 by then-Home Secretary Theresa May that forced overseas students to leave four months after finishing a degree.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the change would see students "unlock their potential" and begin careers in the UK.

But campaign group Migration Watch called it a "retrograde" step.

• 'I almost regret coming to the UK to study'
• Overseas student visa service 'needs fixing'
• Australia beats UK for overseas students
• Read more here

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart says leaving the EU allows the opportunity to create a new fairer migration system.

Mr Stewart tells the chamber the UK government has established the migration advisory committee.

This is in preparation of the UK moving towards a points based immigration system, to attract the brightest and the best he adds.

Mr Stewart points out this is the same system proposed by the SNP in their 2013 "separation white paper".

Ms Hyslop tells the chamber there has been a 41% reduction in the number of visas granted to family members since the peak in 2007.

The external affairs secretary explains the policy has a greater impact on women and children, who are growing up in so-called Skype families.

Thousands of children are being forced to grow up without a family solely due to this policy, she states.

The minister highlights the benefits of freedom of movement within the EU and warns, if there is a no-deal Brexit, families in the rest of Europe will be subject to this punitive regime.

She says the Scottish government will commission an expert advisory group on migration and population, to look more closely at the impact of the family migration policy.

Image source, PA

The Scottish government has called for greater powers over immigration policy to protect Scotland’s economy, public services and future population growth.

The call comes after the UK government said it would reverse its 2012 decision to scrap a post-study work visa for international students, allowing them to stay in the UK for two years after graduation to seek work.

Ministers welcomed the decision as a positive first step in reversing some of the UK government’s damaging immigration policies, but warned the UK government’s wider plans, including the immigration skills charge and ending freedom of movement, could significantly reduce the number of workers in Scotland.

Image source, bbc

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop says the UK government's migration policy is simply not working for Scotland.

Scotland needs people to come here, bring their families and build their lives here, Ms Hyslop adds.

The external affairs secretary says the evidence base for a change to family migration policy is there.

She says the restrictive approach to family migration, with the minimum income threshold of £18,600, gets us to a point where it is almost impossible to meet the requirements.

Image source, GETTY IMAGES

The Scottish government will now lead a debate on the the impact of the UK government’s family migration policy on Scotland.

The SNP administration will call for greater powers over immigration policy, warning that ending freedom of movement could reduce the number of workers.

Current UK migration rules mean British citizens must show they earn at least £18,600 a year to sponsor their non-European spouse's visa.

The UK government's migration system proposals, external would see this extended to EU citizens after Brexit.

Image source, Scottish government

Last November the Scottish government launched a campaign, 'People, Not Profit' to highlight the benefits of joining a credit union.

Credit unions are not-for-profit, member owned financial co-operatives, which provide ethical and affordable financial services.

A new website -www.creditunions.scot, external- has been set up to offer advice and help people find their local credit union.

Image source, bbc

Liam McArthur stresses the Lib Dems' strong support for the proposals brought forward by the cabinet secretary.

Mr McArthur hopes the strategy will look at opening up credit unions to more individuals as they provide a savings culture and protection.

They are based on the principle of a common bond, he adds.

The Lib Dem MSP also welcomes the announcement in the Programme for Government for a £10m credit union investment fund.

A BBC documentary, 'A Matter of Life and Debt', told the stories of people whose lives were transformed by a loan from credit union.

Image source, bbc

Green MSP Andy Wightman says his party campaigned in the last Holyrood election as champions of credit unions.

Mr Wightman welcomes the support for a new credit union strategy.

He says we must think about housing and affordability, as much as credit and affordability.

The Green MSP argues it should be about the democratisation of the financial sector.

Image source, Association of British Credit Unions

Click here for theAssociation of British Credit Unions, externalwebsite.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne says her party will back the government motion today and welcomes the first minister's announcement of a £10m Credit Union Investment Fund.

I hope this commitment will lead to Credit Unions strengthening their position in the market, she adds.

Ms Ballantyne says the UK government have brought in measures to help people access credit unions.

However she would back reform of UK credit legislation.

Image source, Banking for the Common Good

Banking for the Common Good, external was published in March 2016 by Friends of the Earth, Common Weal, the New Economics Foundation and Move Your Money.

It calls for a move away from highly concentrated, profit-driven banking to an ecosystem of institutions which are structurally designed to work for the common good.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill says: "I hope this will not just be a cuddly debate about how much we love credit unions, which we do."

It's about increasing access to credit unions, Ms McNeill adds, saying we must teach people about using money.

She agrees more needs to be done to promote credit unions in our schools.

The Labour MSP warns against increases in people turning to pay-day loans and credit cards.

She adds teaching people the long term benefit of saving is important.

The Labour MSP says Credit Unions are the very basis of savings in the community.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell says the most vulnerable people are the ones who turn to unaffordable credit, which is why credit unions are so important as providers of ethical financial services.

Ms Campbell highlights the commitment in the Programme for Government to collaborate with the sector on a strategy for growth.

She also points to efforts the grow the community lending sector in Scotland, which will include credit unions.

The new £10 million Credit Union Investment Fund will also look towards improving IT infrastructure, as requested by credit unions, the minister tells the chamber.

Credit unions will help us in the pursuit of a fairer Scotland, she concludes.