Independence is the only way to escape Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexit Britain’, the SNP has warned, after a leading EU law expert suggested Scotland’s salmon, whisky and cashmere will be first in line to face European tariffs.
It follows a move made by the European Commission to announce a series of legal challenges against Boris Johnson’s government, after the Prime Minister threatened to unilaterally scrap the Northern Ireland protocol.
Catherine Barnard, professor of EU law and employment law at Trinity College, Cambridge, stated:
“The UK would have no choice [on non-payment of tariffs].
“The tariffs are not imposed on the UK but on goods.
“The EU would target Scottish salmon. Scottish whisky would be another one that would be targeted as it is high profile. And cashmere.”
Commenting, the SNP’s Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Deidre Brock MP, said:
“The reality is that we are in this position because of Boris Johnson and the Tories ‘Brexit Britain’ obsession.
“Brexit has been an unmitigated disaster for Scotland, delivering real economic harm, hitting businesses, ripping away rights and imposing significant challenges across all four nations of the UK.
“This latest analysis from Professor Barnard delivers a stark warning that because of Westminster’s recklessness, Scotland will – yet again – be hit the hardest.
“Scotland currently accounts for the largest share of UK food and drink exports, totalling a staggering £5.7 billion, much of which goes to EU member states including a billion pounds annually to France.
“Brexit will continue to hammer and threaten jobs, businesses and other national economic success stories, while the Tories plough ahead with their reckless and unlawful Northern Ireland Protocol bill.
“Time and time again, Scotland faces serious consequences due to Westminster incompetence and inaction – but we have a way out.
“By choosing independence, we can take full control of our exports, rid ourselves of Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexit Britain’ obsession, and finally re-join our European neighbours within the EU.”
