Scotland’s future must be at the heart of Europe
Reacting to Starmer’s European Union trade deal, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie has said, “the only deal good enough for Scotland is a deal to rejoin the EU”.
The trade deal secured by the UK Labour Government and the European Union guarantees EU fishing boats access to UK waters until 2038, controversial carbon markets and farming agreements.
Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“Five years after Brexit, we are still picking up the pieces of a disastrous decision that the people of Scotland overwhelmingly rejected.
“Keir Starmer may celebrate this deal as if it’s the greatest possible outcome, but in reality, this is just another disappointment that lets Scotland down. We didn’t vote to leave the EU, but Scottish communities and businesses are being hit the hardest by decisions made in Westminster.
“This deal fails to deliver for people or planet, it shows the true long-term economic damage that pandering to Nigel Farage and the far-right can have on the economy and our society. The only deal good enough for Scotland is a deal to rejoin the EU that allows Scotland to regain our rights as European citizens.
“Scotland deserves better. As an independent nation, we could rejoin the EU and work together with our friends across the continent to tackle the climate emergency and build a fairer, greener Europe.”
Alongside industrial trade agreements, the deal is set to include a youth experience scheme and potential access to the Erasmus+ programme, something the Scottish Greens have long called for.
Mr Harvie added:
“Rejoining Erasmus+ would be extremely welcome, but this hasn’t been included in the initial deal, and clearly hasn’t been a priority for Labour Ministers. Young people have already been missing out on life-changing opportunities, and their freedom of movement should be restored to them.
“It’s more important than ever that the UK government get this part of the deal over the line to open doors for students in Scotland, the UK, and across Europe.”