The Tory government has come under further criticism over its devastating Brexit deal, after the latest warning of a Brexit exodus of firms from the UK to the EU.
A report, conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showed that a number of Japanese firms have left the UK in recent years – with the biggest drop occurring during the political turmoil following the Brexit referendum in 2016.
The number of Japanese firms, based in the UK, had fallen by 12 percent between 2014 and 2019.
In contrast, during the same time period, the Netherlands saw a 67 percent increase.
Commenting, SNP International Trade spokesperson Drew Hendry MP (pictured) said:
“With each passing day, we see the devastating consequences of Brexit.
“This latest episode has yet again highlighted that companies cannot thrive from Brexit.
“Boris Johnson and his Tory colleagues knew that, yet still pushed through a botched Brexit deal.
“That’s why they have previously been found to encourage business owners to register within the EU instead.
“The UK has benefited from its business and trading relationship with Japanese firms – that has now been hampered by Brexit.
“Scotland will not stand by quietly and let this happen.
“It’s clear beyond any doubt that the only way to properly protect our businesses, economy and place in Europe, is to become an independent country – and that starts with both votes SNP in the upcoming Holyrood elections in May.”
