The SNP have warned that Boris Johnson’s “bottom-of-the-barrel” planned trade deal with the EU will cost the Scottish economy £9 billion.
The Prime Minister is pursuing a basic trade agreement, which forecasts predict will take a huge toll on Scotland’s finances.
It follows criticisms of his migration plan which could close one-fifth of Scottish firms due to companies with EU workers on their books.
EU ministers in Brussels today agreed and adopted the mandate for the future relationship negotiations with the UK – with the UK Government set to publish its mandate on Thursday.
Stewart Hosie MP, the SNP’s Shadow International Trade spokesperson, said: "The hard-line Brexiteers are happy for workers and consumers to take a hit as the Tories pursue a bottom-of-the-barrel trade deal with the EU.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson to spend almost one whole pound per Scot in pro-Union campaign
“Their highest ambition is a basic trade deal which, compared with EU membership, could remove £9bn from the Scottish economy."
He said that Boris Johnson is "pressing on whatever the cost to ordinary people", adding: “If they fail to achieve this and the UK crashes out without a deal this year, the damage will be even greater but no-one should be under any illusion – even if the Tories get everything they want their hard Brexit deal will be a disaster for Scotland."
READ MORE: Boris Johnson’s migration plan could close a fifth of Scots firms
The SNP MP warned that jobs, food standards, workers’ rights, and environmental rules are all under threat, blaming Johnson’s determination to pursue a distant relationship with the EU.
Hosie added: “People in Scotland did not vote for this and have the right to choose a better future as an independent member of the EU – which is seven times the size of the UK.”
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