It comes after an article in the Scottish Daily Mail hit out at Scottish Government figures which show that nearly 60,000 pupils speak English as an additional language (EAL). According to the Scottish Daily Mail, 58,153 pupils had EAL in 2024, compared to 57,262 the previous year, representing around 8% of all pupils in Scotland. Responding to the figures, Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher told the paper: "This development does raise concerns about the impact on teaching resources and community cohesion. The Scottish Greens have now hit out at the comment, with education spokesperson Laura Moodie accusing right-wing politicians of "scapegoating" multilingual children in a "pathetic attempt" to mirror Reform. "Speaking different languages is a reflection of the diverse Scotland we live in and something we should celebrate," the South Scotland MSP told The National.