Brexit deal ‘disastrous for Scotland’

The Scottish Government cannot recommend that consent is given to the UK Government’s “inadequate and damaging” Brexit deal with the EU, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

A Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) lodged with the Scottish Parliament recognises that the people of Scotland have never given their backing to Brexit, and says that the Future Relationship Bill fails to protect Scottish and UK interests.

It recommends that consent should not be given not only because of the contents of the Brexit deal – but also because there has not been sufficient time to scrutinise the proposed agreement.

The LCM notes that the deal does not protect benefits of EU membership, some of which could have been retained through continued membership of the single market and customs union, a position supported by the Scottish Parliament.

Also lodged with the Scottish Parliament is initial Scottish Government analysis of the Future Relationship deal, which details its damaging impact on business, trade, society and security.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Parliament, like the people of Scotland, has consistently voiced support for Scotland’s membership of the EU and – since the 2016 referendum – for single market and customs union membership.

“The question before the Scottish Parliament is not about this deal or no deal, but whether this deal is good or bad for Scotland.

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament consistently suggested alternatives. While recognising the UK would leave the EU, we proposed staying in the single market and customs union.

“The UK Government dismissed these ideas. It disregarded Scotland’s views, values and interests. It has agreed a deal which is disastrous for Scotland.

“The UK Government’s deal will impose costs on businesses, reduce the opportunities of its citizens, and sacrifice its own international influence  – in order to gain powers it will struggle to use.

“Even for the fishing industry – perhaps the only sector that genuinely believed that Brexit would deliver benefits – this deal represents a massive sell out and broken promise. 

“The result is a deal which is harmful for the UK as a whole – but perhaps especially harmful for Scotland. It should not receive the Scottish Parliament’s consent.”