SCOTTISH Tory MSPs refused to recognise the impact of Brexit on Scotland during a Holyrood debate yesterday – and defended the UK Government’s decision to leave the Erasmus scheme.

Douglas Ross’s party was accused of putting their “loyalty to Boris Johnson ahead of the needs of the country” as they brushed off fears over skills shortages and the food and drink sector.

The MSPs, who previously supported remaining in the EU under Ruth Davidson’s leadership, denied the hostile environment is a risk to some of Scotland’s most important sectors.

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Nicola Sturgeon has previously called for a Scotland-specific immigration system, with concerns that the UK’s points-based approach will be “uniquely” damaging for the country’s economy – especially due to the population decline.

Pre-pandemic forecasts show Scotland’s pensioners will grow from 19% of the population in 2018 to 23% in 2043. At the same time, the working-age population will decrease from 64% to 62% and children, who now make up 17%, will represent 15%. Meanwhile the UK’s overall population is expected to grow by about 10% within that timeframe.

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Karen Adam (above), the SNP MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, said: “Scottish Tories refuse to address the elephant in the room that is their pursuit of the hardest of Brexits. It is undermining the Scottish economy by threatening the future of workers in Scotland and discouraging inward migration.

“Numerous studies have shown inward migration is vital for the Scottish economy as a whole and for a number of world-class industries in particular. Yet the Scots Tories will not admit the very real threats posed by Brexit and their hostile environment policies.”

She went on to point out that Brexit has already removed freedom of movement and young people’s opportunities to participate in the Erasmus scheme.

"Once again the Scots Tories are putting loyalty to Boris Johnson and his hard-right Brexiteers ahead of the needs of the country they are elected to protect and support,” she said.

"It is why Scotland must regain the benefits of the European Union by becoming an independent country.”

It comes as the Conservatives attempt to promote the post-Brexit trade deal with Australia, which farmers and animal welfare campaigners fear will lead to cheaper imports undercutting Scottish producers.

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The Prime Minister faced questions over the secretively signed deal during PMQs in Westminster yesterday, but refused to accept concerns from the sector.

Boris Johnson insisted the agreement is a “great deal for the UK … a great deal for Scotland”. He called it “tragic” that the SNP could not see a way for Scotland’s farmers to take advantage of the opportunities the trade deal presents.

The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford replied: “My goodness, I don’t even think the Prime Minister can believe that tripe.”