New Report Highlights Severe Impact of No Deal Brexit on Scotland
The SNP has warned that “time is fast running out” to secure an extension to the Brexit transition period to protect the economy, jobs, businesses, and people’s livelihoods from an “economic body blow” – with reports growing that a top-level summit in mid-June could be planned to address the deadlock in talks.
A new report published by the Social Market Foundation today also reveals that Scotland would suffer severe economic disruption if it was dragged out of the EU without a deal at the end of this year – with key sectors facing a double economic hit due to the pandemic, putting thousands of jobs at risk.
Meanwhile, a senior adviser to the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier issued a stark warning that they “would be surprised if we get to an agreement by the end of June.”
It’s been reported that an extraordinary summit could be arranged in the coming weeks between Boris Johnson and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, in an attempt to break the impasse.
Commenting, SNP Shadow Brexit spokesperson Dr Philippa Whitford MP said:
“Time is now fast running out to agree an extension to the Brexit transition period to protect the economy, businesses and people’s livelihoods from another economic body blow.
“We are in the midst of a health pandemic and businesses are already struggling to survive.
“They simply do not have the ability to also prepare for a hard or No-Deal Brexit in just a few months’ time.
“The new impact analysis published by the Social Market Foundation also adds to the evidence of the severe double economic hit facing Scotland’s diverse sectors – including manufacturing and finance – as a result of pursuing Brexit and dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
“Rather than ploughing ahead with its reckless Brexit obsession, the Tory government must step back from the brink and prioritise people’s safety, their livelihoods and the economy.
“As the final round of talks gets underway – and with reports emerging of a top-level summit to try and break the impasse – it is vital the Prime Minister grabs the lifeline of an extension to the transition period so that efforts can be fully focussed on tackling the biggest health and economic crisis of our time.”
