THE Scottish Secretary has claimed optimism and hard work will make a success of Brexit.
Speaking at an evidence session at the Scottish Parliament, Alister Jack said he does "not put any store in forecasting" from economic experts.
Jack said it will be hard work and "gumption" which will ensure the UK economy grows after the transition period ends and the UK officially leaves the EU.
He added he is certain the UK economy will grow, despite projects indicating the preferred Canada-style deal could reduce GDP by about 6.2% in 15 years.
This week has seen the first discussions to arrange the UK and EU's post-Brexit relationship take place in Brussels.
READ MORE: Alister Jack prompts anger among MSPs with migrant comment
Jack told MSPs: "We will leave, and as the fifth strongest economy in the world, I'm absolutely confident we will prosper and we must look at it with optimism.
"The one thing that forecasters are quite consistent at is getting things wrong.
"I'll stand by this - I think we'll grow our economy very successfully outside the EU and we will do very good trade deals around the world."
Jack also questioned projections that a possible UK-US trade deal would see an increase in British GDP.
He said: "In 25 years of business, I looked at many business plans, many forecasts, many models made by banks, business advisers and accountants - none of them turned out to be the outcome.
"The outcome is what you make of it. The outcome is the gumption and the commitment you put to what's in front of you and making the best of it.
"That's how life works.
"Just because they give us a model saying there's going to be an uplift from an American trade deal, the uplift will be based on the quality of that trade deal.
"I'm not standing by forecasts, I'm standing by as a practical person with a practical business life behind me.
READ MORE: WATCH: Scottish Secretary says 'Boris Bridge' is a 'euphemism'
"You get on, you look at the problems that are in front of you and you work hard to get the best outcomes."
His comments came amid growing concerns over the coronavirus.
Global spread of the illness has led Goldman Sachs to warn Covid-19 could push the UK economy to the brink of recession.
However, Boris Johnson has denied the outbreak would mean needing to delay the end of the transition period.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel