Most vulnerable at risk from Brexit, says new report

The UK’s exit from the EU is highly likely to negatively impact the most vulnerable people in Scotland, a new report has found.

‘The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit’ is an independent report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, which has identified 137 potential impacts on those already facing inequality, discrimination, or social exclusion.

The report highlights impacts including the loss of legal rights, employment protections, funding opportunities, healthcare rights, and supply and access to food, fuel and medicines.

'The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit' report reveals what the effects of #Brexit may be on Scotland's most vulnerable citizens.

Read the full report ➡️ https://t.co/CwGoSdzbhf and watch our video to learn about the key findings ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/CiJXJRmfql

— Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 26, 2020

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly warned that any kind of Brexit will be disastrous for our most vulnerable citizens.

“The UK Government failed to carry out any meaningful assessment on the impact of Brexit, including an Equality Impact Assessment. The Scottish Government asked an independent expert Dr Eve Hepburn to review the social and equality impacts of leaving the EU on people in Scotland and across the UK.

“The Scottish Parliament, like the other devolved nations, has explicitly – and comprehensively – refused to give its consent to the UK Government’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

“Although Scotland is being pulled out of the EU against its will, the Scottish Government will not ignore the negative impact Brexit will have on people, including the most vulnerable in our society.

“This report underlines, yet again, why the future of Scotland should be in its own hands.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Any form of Brexit will be bad for Scotland – and will hit jobs and household incomes in our city.

 “With just days until the UK is due to leave the EU, people and businesses in Edinburgh will be understandably concerned with the complete lack of clarity coming from Boris Johnson’s government.

“Far from delivering extra cash for the NHS, as was infamously promised by the Leave campaign bus, people face losing access to public services, the ability to buy daily essentials in the case of price rises and access to affordable housing.

“Every local authority area in Scotland voted to remain in the EU – Edinburgh voted to remain by 74% – and yet we’ve been completely ignored by the Tory government ever since.

“It is clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation.”

“The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit’ report

PM Boris Johnson signed the Withdrawal Agreement on Friday. He said: “The signing of the Withdrawal Agreement is a fantastic moment, which finally delivers the result of the 2016 referendum and brings to an end far too many years of argument and division.

“We can now move forward as one country – with a Government focused upon delivering better public services, greater opportunity and unleashing the potential of every corner of our brilliant United Kingdom, while building a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals.”