Scotland’s Deputy First Minister has said Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer must end their ‘cynical vows of silence’ when it comes to the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s businesses, saying it is impossible to back small business whilst backing Brexit barriers at the same time.
Kate Forbes has said she is proud of the achievements of the Scottish economy, which is the UK’s top destination for foreign direct investment, outside London.
She pointed to the supportive business policies introduced by the SNP including abolishing or slashing business rates for 100,000 small businesses and establishing the Scottish National Investment Bank – but removing the red tape, higher costs and worker visa blocks created by Brexit is critical to growing Scotland’s exports.
Commenting, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Kate Forbes MSP said:
“Both the Tories and Labour must end their cynical vows of silence when it comes to the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s small businesses.
“It is hampering our exports, putting pressure on staffing and creating an unequal playing field with European competitors – and this is especially true for Scotland’s smallest businesses.
“In this election, only the SNP are offering voters a route back to the EU to protect Scotland’s small businesses.
“Under the SNP, Scotland’s food and drink exports have more than doubled in the last ten years.
“However, top exporting industries like Scottish salmon, are facing increased red tape and higher costs because of Brexit.
“It is time that the Tories and Labour levelled with the public – you can’t back Scottish business and back Brexit barriers at the same time.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and I am proud the SNP in government are championing their success and their growth through policies like the Small Business Bonus Scheme and financial support.
“With unemployment figures still at record low, a small country like Scotland needs to attract workers – but Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are wedded to broken Brexit Britain.
“Scotland, and our businesses, deserve better than this head-in-the-sand approach on Brexit barriers and immigration.
“Vote SNP to put Scotland first and for a future made in Scotland, for Scotland.”
