I AGREE with David Mundell MP that a no-deal would be catastrophic for Scotland, despite this being completely the opposite of what Theresa May has been saying for the last two years.
It will make, according to the Treasury and many independent economists, both Scotland and the UK worse off (a 4% cut in GDP). Removal of freedom of movement will be disastrous for Scottish farmers, the Scottish NHS and Scottish hoteliers who rely so heavily on EU workers.
Virtually the only devolved tax in Scotland is income tax – if Scotland does not keep increasing its supply of workers then our tax take will fall which means further cuts to Scottish public services.
However, this deal (if passed) means Northern Ireland is effectively staying in the single market, which puts Scotland at a huge disadvantage, as Scottish businesses face more red tape than their Northern Irish counterparts and it makes Scotland less attractive to foreign inward investment.
Most importantly, the deal will restrict exports of services from Scotland to the EU, which accounts for 75% of Scottish GDP and is therefore a massive issue. How can our Scottish Conservative MPs vote for a deal which not only makes Scotland poorer, but even puts Scotland in a worse position than Northern Ireland – is that standing up for your country?
If Scotland were leading the UK as promised in 2014, then of course Scotland’s voice would be listened to, and Scotland would be represented in the UK negotiating team. Throughout this process, it is hard to see how Scotland has not been treated with great contempt.
The Scottish Government is absolutely not hoping for a disorderly Brexit.
That would put many jobs, businesses and even people’s health at risk. Quite the opposite. For the past two years it has been calling for the whole UK to leave the EU but stay in the single market.
Westminster has consistently said this is impossible, has refused to contemplate it, but ironically, Ireland, without asking for it, has been given single market status.
Six Scottish politicians put their own houses at risk to pursue a court case as far as the European Court of Justice, for the benefit of the whole UK, which allows Britain to unilaterally decide to remain in the EU. The Scottish Government is also calling for an extension of Article 50 to allow more time for negotiation.
A disorderly Brexit would of course strengthen the case for independence and it is to its great credit that the Scottish Government is leading the fight for the UK to stay as close as is possible to the EU.
Brexit will not help the poorest in society. Quite the opposite. As jobs are lost, incomes fall and a sinking pound puts up the cost of food imports, those already struggling will find it even harder.
It is time for the Conservative party to put the economic interests of the UK first and foremost before its own internal party squabbles.
John Schofield
D&G English Scots for Yes
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