TWITTER users have attacked the Scottish Secretary over comments he made on migrants while giving evidence on Brexit in Holyrood earlier.
Alister Jack had been telling the Culture, Transport, Europe and External Affairs Committee about plans for the UK's relationship with the EU, following negotiations in Brussels this week.
While discussing plans for a points-based immigration system after the Brexit transition period ends, Jack suggested European migrants have come to the UK "on the basis that they get access to our NHS and our benefits system".
READ MORE: MP brands Alister Jack's migrant comment 'dangerous nonsense'
SNP politicians like Michael Russell and Drew Hendry and the public condemned the comments on Twitter.
Here are the best reactions.
1. Scotland's Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell
A very foolish comment which will be a dog whistle for some. Also demonstrably untrue - many migrants are highly skilled and their contribution is across all parts of our national life. https://t.co/uRTruH6Jh1
— Michael Russell (@Feorlean) March 5, 2020
2.
I could've stayed in Portugal and gotten access to our own public NHS and our benefits system. Instead, I've come to Scotland with my partner, and not only have we both paid into the system, but my partner even works for the NHS.
— WG Saraband 🏴🇵🇹🏳️🌈 (@wgsaraband) March 5, 2020
It's dogwhistle xenophobia from the Tories.
3.
I'm absolutely certain I've seen irrefutable evidence that EU nationals have added to the economy and most certainly don't cost the NHS money.
— Sheena Glass (@SheenaGlass12) March 5, 2020
Rather, the opposite is true, we risk losing many who keep the NHS and care sector running.
4.
'they' - nothing quite like being othered and scapegoated. Tell Jack to get back into his box.
— Dr Nik Mac 🏴🇪🇺🇦🇺 (@Nik_M_Macdonald) March 5, 2020
5.
They do get access, as Doctors, Nurses and Surgeons. A proctologist needs to get that mans head out of his own arse.
— Scary Times 🏴 (@TimesScary) March 5, 2020
6.
After a near fatal RTA in 1993 if it hadn't been for an EU *migrant* who saved my life in hospital I wouldn't be typing this right now.
— John Hamill (@sparkyhamill) March 5, 2020
7.
Jack thinks it's his right to speak and also his right to speak through the other speaker. When he's just another lazy, ill-informed, incompetent Tory dragging out the old 'take, take, take' trope about EU migrants 😒
— seonaid mcgill #FBPE #FBSI #leavealighton (@millymoo97) March 5, 2020
8.
So they are simultaneously working AND not working then? #AlisterJack more like #AlisterJerk https://t.co/AudUx6oJGD
— EU Flag Mafia (@EUflagmafia) March 5, 2020
9. SNP MEP Christian Allard
This is a direct attack on @the3million of us, I challenge Alister Jack to repeat what he said or to apologise. This week has been a succession of xenophobic attacks towards us migrants. @ScotTories are introducing xenophobia to their policy of convergence with the rest UK. https://t.co/JlDMPwTIk1
— Christian Allard SNP 🏴🇫🇷 (@Christia_Allard) March 5, 2020
10.
Alister Jack: "There's been tendency to bring in cheap migrant labour & they've come on basis they get access to our NHS & benefits system"
— Euan Anderssonn (@FreeThinker2030) March 5, 2020
It's time for change, we can do better.
Westminster is going to destroy our economy.pic.twitter.com/i8RfOZbkvX @FSB_Scotland #Scotland
11. Drew Hendry, SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathsprey
Outrageous. An absolute shocker.
— Drew Hendry MP (@drewhendrySNP) March 5, 2020
Xenophobic, dangerous nonsense which will further enrage an already very worried business sector in Scotland as well as those across our communities https://t.co/LM80Qxsrgo
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