The SNP has confirmed it will vote against Boris Johnson’s damaging hard Tory Brexit deal, which is “a disaster for Scotland” – and said independence is now the only way to protect Scotland’s interests and place in Europe.
Following a meeting of the SNP Parliamentary Group today, Ian Blackford MP said the hard Tory Brexit was being imposed against Scotland’s will and would cause lasting damage to jobs, incomes, businesses and the economy – costing Scotland billions.
The SNP Westminster Leader said Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process – and the people of Scotland have the right to determine our own future as an independent European country.
Scotland’s economy has already lost billions as a result of Brexit, with the Warwick study estimating Scotland had lost £3.94billion by July 2020.
Scottish Government analysis estimates a hard Brexit of the kind being imposed by Boris Johnson could cut Scotland’s GDP by around 6.1% – costing Scotland more than £9billion, or the equivalent of £1,600 for every person, by 2030 compared to EU membership.
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said:
“Boris Johnson’s extreme Tory Brexit is an unforgivable act of economic vandalism and gross stupidity, which will cause lasting damage to the economy and leave the UK much worse off at the worst possible time – during a pandemic and economic recession.
“Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process and we are being forced to pay a devastating price.
“It is clear that the only way to protect Scotland’s interests, and regain the full benefits of EU membership, is to become an independent country.
“This is a very bad deal for Scotland, which will terminate our membership of the EU, rip us out of the world’s largest single market and customs union, end our freedom of movement rights, and impose mountains of red tape, added costs and barriers to trade for Scottish businesses.
“The blame lies squarely with the Tory government.
“By the UK government’s own admission, staying in the EU is the best possible deal.
“Analysis shows the hard Tory Brexit Boris Johnson wants to impose could cut Scotland’s GDP by around 6.1%, costing more than £9billion or the equivalent of £1,600 for every person.
“This Tory hammer blow to the economy is devastating and completely unnecessary.
“Industries and communities across Scotland will face higher costs and reduced access to EU markets.
“Benefits of EU membership, including our right to live, work and study across Europe will be stripped away.
“Justice and security cooperation will be diminished.
“Even the broken promises made to our fishing communities have turned out to be another Tory pack of lies.
“With the Labour Party lining up behind Boris Johnson, it is clear Westminster will impose this hard Tory Brexit regardless of how Scotland votes but it is not being done in our name.
“It is a disaster for Scotland.
“Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU.
“The people of Scotland have a right to determine our own future as an independent European country – rather than suffer the long-term damage and decline of a hard Tory Brexit.”
