Research underlines need for Scotland to be heard in Brexit negotiations
Ross Greer MSP, Europe & External Affairs spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (6 Oct) highlighted warnings from a leading economic institute that Brexit could result in Scottish wages being up to seven per cent lower, meaning a loss of up to £2,000 a year for someone on average earnings.
The Fraser of Allander report for Holyrood’s Culture & Europe committee, of which Mr Greer is a member, outlines a range of scenarios predicting the loss of between 30,000 and 80,000 jobs over the next ten years.
The report’s pessimistic projections are based on a scenario similar to the Westminster government’s outlined ‘hard Brexit’ plans. The short term impact of a ‘hard Brexit’ is projected to include a 26 per cent drop in trade in goods and a 25 per cent drop in trade in services.
Ominously, it states that ‘these are not the worst case scenarios’, showing clearly that the scale of the economic vandalism the Conservatives are prepared to inflict on Scotland could be far worse than previously feared.
Ross Greer MSP said:
“Scotland voted to Remain in Europe yet we face devastating cuts to wages and huge job losses from the reckless actions of the Westminster Government. That same government is now intent on turning away those who have chosen to live here and contribute to our economy, which can only inflict more damage. As the Tories ramp up the racist rhetoric, this economic research underlines the need for Scotland’s voice to be heard in Brexit negotiations.
“Every avenue must be explored to keep Scotland in Europe and protect the right to free movement and that has to include a referendum on independence. In the meantime I urge the Scottish Government to look carefully at what support can be offered to protect vulnerable sectors of our economy and those who will suffer if this drop in wages becomes reality.”