Withdrawal from the EU would pose a threat to Scotland’s third sector, which plays a crucial role in the drive for social justice and inclusive economic growth. That’s the findings of a recent survey conducted by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations – and it’s a view shared by Holyrood’s Brexit monister Michael Russell.
Addressing delegates at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Gathering event yesterday, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell said: “The social protections and human rights which make Scotland an open and inclusive country are seriously at risk due to Brexit.
“The SCVO paper on the impact of Brexit on the sector is a compelling read (see below). There is powerful evidence of the concern felt throughout Scotland. More than 80% of those asked in their survey believe Brexit will have a negative impact on the economy, on poverty and on human rights.
“This is something that I hear time and time again from those in many different sectors. Scotland out of the single market – with cutting immigration and enforcing borders prioritised ahead of living standards, human rights, the economy and how the United Kingdom is seen around the world.
“The third sector’s continued access to EU structural funds also vital – including our new £29 million ESF fund, with £12 million to support communities and the Third Sector to develop new approaches to tackling poverty and inequality helping us to create a fairer Scotland.”
Earlier this month a SCVO survey reported that 86% of Scotland’s charities believe that Brexit could have a severe impact on their survival.
Over 400 charities and voluntary organisations repsonded to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) survey. Key results from the survey include:
- 86% of respondents feel that leaving the EU will harm the Scottish economy, with further negative implications for public spending, charity funding and public donations.
- 81% are worried about advances in human rights and equalities legislation bring rolled back. This is of particular concern to disability rights campaigners.
- Just 6% thought leaving the EU would bring about significant positive opportunities.
- 39% of charities are, or have previously been, part of European networks or collaborations.
Further concerns were expressed about the poor economic outlook for local and national government spending – a key source of funding for charities across Scotland. At the same time, rising inflation will put more pressure on already squeezed household budgets, pushing more people toward stretched voluntary organisations.
SCVO Director of Public Affairs, John Downie, believes it is time for the voice of the voluntary sector to be heard in the Brexit debate. He said: ““Uncertainty and a lack of clarity around what leaving the EU will mean is causing alarm within the sector, particularly on issues such as the economy, movement of people and fighting poverty. There is deep unease that the people aspect of the debate is being forgotten in favour of a hard-nosed emphasis on business.
“It’s time to recognise the fact that Europe has been critical to the makeup and success of civil society in Scotland. From funding for medical research to the sustainability of the health and social care workforce, there is a huge amount at stake. The voluntary sector needs to be heard as Brexit negotiations go forward.”
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