Tag: Brexit

STOP THE COUP: Thousands of protesters expected to hit the streets today

  • Hundreds of thousands expected to protest in dozens of locations this Saturday
  • MPs pledge to occupy parliament as constitutional crisis intensifies
  • Mass civil disobedience and disruption on the cards
  • Over a hundred trade unionists call for strike action

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in protests this Saturday against the Boris Johnson’s move to suspend parliament and ram through his Brexit agenda. Continue reading STOP THE COUP: Thousands of protesters expected to hit the streets today

A ‘dark day for democracy’

PM Boris Johnson’s controversial decision to prorogue (suspend) Parliament yesterday has prompted a furious backlash from politicians and opponents of a no-deal Brexit, who believe the move is both unconstitutional and undemocratic.

The government was given the Queen’s assent to suspend Parliament when MPs return to work next week, effectively meaning that they are unlikely to have time to stop the Prime Minister taking the UK out of the EU without a deal on 31 October.

Leader of the Opposition, Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, responded: “I am appalled at the recklessness of Johnson’s government, which talks about sovereignty and yet is seeking to suspend parliament to avoid scrutiny of its plans for a reckless No Deal Brexit. This is an outrage and a threat to our democracy.

“That is why Labour has been working across Parliament to hold this reckless government to account, and prevent a disastrous No Deal which parliament has already ruled out.

“If Johnson has confidence in his plans he should put them to the people in a general election or public vote.”

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow described PM Johnson’s move as a ‘constitutional outrage’, saying: “However it is dressed up, it is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop parliament debating Brexit and performing its duty in shaping a course for the country.

“At this time, one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history, it is vital that our elected parliament has its say. After all, we live in a parliamentary democracy.

“Shutting down parliament would be an offence against the democratic process and the rights of parliamentarians as the people’s elected representatives.

“Surely at this early stage in his premiership, the prime minister should be seeking to establish rather than undermine his democratic credentials and indeed his commitment to parliamentary democracy.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday was a dark day for democracy in the UK. She said: “Boris Johnson’s bid to shut down Parliament to force through a No-Deal Brexit is an outrageous assault on basic democratic principles.

“In doing so, he is acting no better than a tin-pot dictator – not the Prime Minister of what is still supposedly a parliamentary democracy. It is an outrageous bid to ram through an outcome that would do massive damage to jobs, investment and living standards across the whole of the UK.

“And, make no mistake, it is an attempt to force an outcome that no-one voted for. A No-Deal Brexit was not on the ballot paper in 2016.”

The leader of Britain and Ireland’s largest union, Unite accused prime minister Boris Johnson of a no deal Brexit coup. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Boris Johnson’s plan to shut parliament is nothing short of a no deal Brexit coup which imperils the livelihoods of millions of workers and the future prosperity of communities across our nations.

“With the future of places such as Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant hanging by a thread, wrapping the suspension of parliament up with empty promises on education, police and the NHS is an insult to voters desperate for decent public services and a reversal of austerity.

“Johnson knows full well that a no deal Brexit will devastate our public finances and whole swathes of the economy. Have no doubt it will be Johnson and his friends in the wealthy elite who will be sitting pretty in the event of a catastrophic no deal Brexit, while working class communities pay the price.

“Whichever way people voted in the Brexit referendum, they did not vote for our democracy to be shut down and to lose their jobs. The prime minister should call a general election rather than silencing parliament to push through a disastrous no deal Brexit. I urge all sensible politicians from all parties to stand up and come together behind Jeremy Corbyn to block this no deal Brexit coup.”

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This outrageous manoeuvre has been made to silence all opposition in the most dictatorial way. Our parliamentary democracy is the envy of the world, but it’s being stamped upon and disregarded by a Prime Minister who’s not gone near a public vote.”

“Boris Johnson is treating the future of the UK like the plot of a far-fetched political TV drama. The country must be asked for its view on Brexit right now. That’s the only way.”“He is setting a timebomb for the NHS. The promises of more cash for the health service made during the referendum were just empty words. No deal will instead leave the NHS gasping for breath, creating chaos for the hard-working staff and spelling potential disaster for patients.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is inflicting unnecessary economic damage on an already vulnerable UK economy, the CEO of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisation warned yesterday.

Nigel Green, chief executive and founder of deVere Group, commented: “It could be argued that Boris Johnson’s decision to ask the Queen to suspend parliament, and therefore to prevent democratically elected representatives of the people doing their job, is deeply unconstitutional and has the hallmarks of a tin-pot dictator.

“However, it could also be argued that it is Mr Johnson fulfilling, one way or another, the will of the British people who voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum.

“It is likely to be a tactic to spook negotiators into making concessions to the Withdrawal Agreement.  Whether it will work remains to be seen.  It will almost certainly be challenged in the courts.”

He added: “What we do know for sure though is that this step will inflict further unnecessary economic damage on an already extremely vulnerable UK economy.

“Depressingly, recession is looming for Britain and Johnson’s highly controversial tactics seriously increase the uncertainty which will further drag on investment and trade.

“In addition, it will further batter the beleaguered pound, which reduces people’s purchasing power. Weaker sterling means imports are more expensive, with rising prices typically being passed on to consumers.”

Mr Green added: “The situation in the UK is deteriorating.  As such individuals as well as businesses will, inevitably and quite sensibly, be looking to grow and safeguard their wealth by moving assets out of the UK through various established international financial solutions.

“Brexit has plunged Britain into an existential crisis that will last for generations. 

“It has also already cost billions upon billions of pounds. Indeed, it has cost the UK economy a staggering £66bn in just under three years, according to S&P Global Ratings.

“But perhaps even worse is the haemorrhaging of opportunity and confidence in the UK that will continue far beyond the Halloween deadline.”

The deVere CEO concludes: “Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend parliament will have far-reaching economic effects, many of which will not be known for years to come.

“Domestic and international investors in UK assets need to watch the situation carefully and ensure that their portfolios are best-positioned to deal with the growing uncertainties.”

An online petition launched yesterday has already attracted more than one million signatures.

In other political news …

The UK Government must provide clarity on the economic impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit to let the Scottish Government plan for the potential consequences, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has said.

During a meeting with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak in London today, Mr Mackay will also seek a “cast-iron guarantee” that all EU funding lost to Scotland will be replaced in full by the UK Government.

Mr Mackay said: “With just weeks to go until we are due to leave the EU, we remain deeply concerned about the impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit and the severe impact it threatens to have on our economy and jobs, as well as the loss of vital EU funding to Scotland.

“The actions of the UK Government in attempting to shut down Parliament to force through a ‘no-deal’ outcome means that the UK stands on the cusp of an economic crisis. I will be making absolutely clear to the Chief Secretary that the UK Government must stop pursuing a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“As a responsible government we are continuing to do all we can to stop a ‘no deal’ Brexit. With a ‘no deal’ scenario looking increasingly more likely, it is essential that the UK Government sets out openly and honestly what the economic consequences will be to enable the Scottish Government to prepare for the additional pressures we may face.

“It’s also vital that the UK Government sets out what support they intend to make available for companies who may struggle to survive in a  No Deal situation.  The Scottish Government’s analysis shows 100,000 jobs could be at risk. If the UK Government is determined to take us out of the EU and cause this economic harm, then it must set out what it will do to mediate these impacts.

“I will also press the Chief Secretary to provide a cast-iron guarantee that all EU funding lost will be replaced by the UK Government in full, including supporting our farmers by matching all existing support available through the Common Agricultural Policy and finally passing on the £160 million of convergence funding that has been withheld from Scotland for no reason.”

Good luck with that, Derek …

 

‘Brexit is based on lies’: hundreds call for People’s Vote

Hundreds of people attended a People’s Vote Let Us Be Heard rally in The Meadows yesterday. Labour MPs Jess Phillips and Ian Murray, and SNP MP Joanna Cherry were joined by a stellar line-up of comedians from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

As well as the MPs, speakers included top comics Andrew Maxwell, Grace Campbell and Fred MacAulay as well as the renowned ‘Brexit Graffiti Granny’, Hazel Jones.  Continue reading ‘Brexit is based on lies’: hundreds call for People’s Vote

Work together to stop No Deal Brexit, SCVO urges party leaders

THIRD SECTOR CHIEF WARNS OF ‘PERFECT STORM’

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has issued an open letter to all UK Parliament party leaders demanding action to stop a no-deal exit from the European Union. Continue reading Work together to stop No Deal Brexit, SCVO urges party leaders

END GAME: Brexit Secretary signs order to scrap 1972 Brussels Act – ending all EU law in the UK

The Government has signed into law legislation to repeal the Act of Parliament which set in stone Britain’s EU (EEC) membership in 1972.

The 1972 Act is the vehicle that sees regulations flow into UK law directly from the EU’s lawmaking bodies in Brussels. Continue reading END GAME: Brexit Secretary signs order to scrap 1972 Brussels Act – ending all EU law in the UK

Doubts over Erasmus+ after EU exit

The Scottish and Welsh Governments have raised serious concerns about the impact of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit on the popular Europe-wide international student exchange program Erasmus+.

In a letter to Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson, Scottish Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead and Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams have argued the case for continued participation in the exchange programme.

They say leaving the EU without a deal – and without the UK Government reaching an alternative Third Country agreement or other arrangement – would see universities, colleges, and schools across the UK ineligible to submit applications to participate in the final year of the current Erasmus+ programme in 2020.

Between 2014 and 2018, more than 15,000 students and staff from Scotland reaped the benefits of the EU-led scheme, which allows funded temporary study overseas as part of the their Scottish courses.

Mr Lochhead said: “Thousands of Scottish students benefit from Erasmus+ yearly, proportionally more than from any other country in the UK. The Scottish and Welsh Governments are clear that we must remain a full participant in Erasmus+.

“I am also alarmed to hear the UK Department for Education could be considering an Erasmus+ replacement programme for England only – with potentially no consequential funding for Devolved Administrations (DAs) to put in place their own arrangements. That’s why we have written to the UK Government calling for urgent action and assurances that Scottish students won’t miss out.

“It is the Scottish Government’s preference to remain in the EU, but in the event of a damaging ‘no-deal’ Brexit, students could now see the door to this fantastic cultural and educational exchange slammed shut.

“It is unacceptable that with less than 12 weeks left until the UK Government plans to take the United Kingdom out of the EU without an agreement in place, there is still no plan for alternative arrangements.”

Two recent studies have underlined how Erasmus+ continues to enhance students’ quality of life and career prospects – both during their course abroad, and long after it finishes. The research also highlights the programme’s success at driving innovation and social inclusion in higher education.

The results of the impact studies show Erasmus+ significantly benefits students’ career prospects and personal development.  The programme can act as a guide for students to discover what they want to do after their studies  – making for a happier career; Erasmus+ has also been shown to drive innovation and social inclusion in higher education.

Every year, more than 300,000 students study or train under the Erasmus+ umbrella – over five million students have directly benefitted since the launch of the programme in 1987. The Higher Education Impact study found that 80 percent of Erasmus+ graduates are employed within three months of graduation, with 72 percent stating their Erasmus+ experience helped them land their first job.  Nearly half of Erasmus+ trainees were offered a job in the company where they trained.

More than two-thirds of Erasmus+ students and trainees gained new insight about their career choices through studying or training abroad. This added awareness has allowed students to better orient their studies and training to match their career ambitions – leading to both happier careers and expanded professional opportunities.

The studies have also highlighted how Erasmus+ builds a sense of European identity and social cohesion. 90 percent of Erasmus+ students feel the programme has improved their ability to collaborate with people from different cultures, and are more positive about the role of the EU in society.

Erasmus+ mobility also supports the growth of innovative learning and teaching practices – as well as the expanded use digital technologies. Nearly 80 percent of academics reported their experience abroad has led to the development of more modern and innovative teaching practices and curricula in their faculties.

The impact study on Erasmus+ Higher Education Strategic Partnerships and Knowledge Alliances found that Erasmus+ has spurred equality in education – with nearly two-thirds of universities stating projects under Erasmus+ have increased social inclusion and non-discrimination in higher education.

Cooperation projects under Erasmus+ have also allowed students, higher education staff and other stakeholders to develop vital innovation and business skills. Over one in four projects under Erasmus+ contribute to strengthening entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurship – with nearly a third of these projects resulting in start-ups and spin-off enterprises.

 

 

Rock bottom: Business confidence takes a battering

Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for July 2019 shows:

  • Overall confidence for firms in Scotland fell 17 points in the past month to zero per cent
  • Firms’ confidence in their own business prospects was six per cent, compared with 32 per cent in June

Continue reading Rock bottom: Business confidence takes a battering

Brexit ‘no deal’ preparations stepped up

First Minister warns a ‘no deal’ exit will “inevitably cause disruption”

The Scottish Government will do everything in its power to stop a deeply damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit, the First Minister has confirmed.

At a cabinet meeting ministers also agreed to step up preparations for a ‘no deal’ after the UK Government’s refusal to enter into negotiations with the EU made such an outcome more likely.

The First Minister will chair a meeting of the Government’s Ministerial Group on EU Exit Readiness next week.

The First Minister said: “In its first week the UK Government has shown it is willing to risk a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Taking Scotland out of the EU in any way is deeply undemocratic but the Prime Minister’s refusal to engage with the EU has dramatically increased the prospect that we will face a deeply damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“If the Prime Minister continues with this approach Scottish jobs will be lost and our economy seriously damaged and it will be entirely the UK Government’s responsibility.

“Having assessed the actions of the new UK Government our work to prepare for ‘no deal’ will intensify in the coming weeks and months. But even with the best possible preparations, leaving the EU without a deal will hurt Scotland’s businesses, disrupt trade and impact on all aspects of society. There is simply no way to mitigate every impact that ‘no deal’ will have, no matter how hard we try.

“The willingness of the UK Government to pursue this approach, against all the evidence, shows why we must continue to make preparations for a referendum that will give people the right to decide Scotland’s future, instead of being dragged out of the EU against their will.”

Despite the Scottish Government’s concerns a No Deal Brexit is looking increasingly likely. The  EU is not minded to renegotiate an agreement and the Westminster government’s rhetoric suggests that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October, deal or no deal. 

Yesterday, Communities and Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP (above) said local councils should be fully prepared to leave the European Union by the end of October, as he ramped up preparations.

Mr Jenrick thanked councils for all the work they have already done, but said they must step up vital preparations and committed £20 million for councils across England to prepare for delivering Brexit on 31 October, whatever the circumstances.

He has asked each council to designate a Brexit lead to work with central government and oversee teams in every community who will work with stakeholders in their area to plan intensively for Brexit.

The new funding comes in recognition of the central role councils will play to make sure their residents are ready for Brexit, and is expected to support a range of activity including communications, training and the recruitment of staff.

Mr Jenrick will continue to talk to local council leaders to give them the opportunity to discuss preparations and the opportunities of Brexit ahead.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “From Whitehall to town halls – everyone needs to be ready to fulfil our democratic mandate to leave the European Union by the end of October.

“Local government has a vital role in helping to make Brexit a success and it is absolutely right that together we intensify preparations in every community.

“And to do this successfully I have asked every council (in England – Ed) to appoint a Brexit lead to work with government. We’ll be providing £20 million for councils to support the major step up in preparations.

“I want all of us – central and local government – to be fully prepared for leaving the EU on 31 October whatever the circumstances. I know that we can achieve this, by continuing to work side by side with renewed national focus and intensity.”

The UK government recognises that certain areas face more acute pressures. It is currently considering how best to allocate funding to ensure that those areas where greater impacts are expected, such as high impact ports of entry, get the funding they need in order take appropriate steps.

At his first meeting with senior leaders from English local authorities since becoming the Communities and Local Government Secretary earlier this week, Mr Jenrick told representatives that the government will support them to ensure they are ready to leave the EU in just under 90 days’ time.

Departments will continue to assess and, if appropriate, fund any potential new requirements of local authorities as part of Brexit work they are undertaking.

In January the UK Government committed £58 million of funding to support local authorities in their preparations for Brexit.

 

Chancellor allocates extra £2.1 billion to ‘turbo-charge No-Deal Brexit preparations’

  • Chancellor doubles Brexit funding for this year, announcing £2.1 billion to prepare for no deal.
  • New immediate cash boost of £1.1 billion to prepare critical areas for EU exit on 31 October.
  • A further £1 billion available to enhance operational preparedness this year if needed.
  • Funding will accelerate preparations at the border, support business readiness and ensure the supply of critical medicines.

An immediate cash boost to help get the UK ready for Brexit on 31 October has been announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid. Continue reading Chancellor allocates extra £2.1 billion to ‘turbo-charge No-Deal Brexit preparations’

First Ministers of Scotland and Wales urge new PM to rule out ‘no deal’ Brexit

Joint letter to the Prime Minister 

The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford have jointly written to the new Prime Minister asking him to immediately rule out a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

The First Ministers set out four steps the new Prime Minister can immediately take to establish a more productive relationship between the governments of the UK. These include:

· the need for the on-going Inter-governmental Relations Review to put in place more robust machinery for working together on the basis of greater equality.

· a commitment to full involvement of the devolved administrations in international negotiations which impact on devolved competence.

· the UK Government should ensure that Scotland and Wales would be no worse off if the UK does leave the EU.

· the Immigration White Paper should be replaced by proposals which reflect the needs of the economy of the whole of the UK.

They have also called for the UK Government to prepare for a second EU referendum.

The First Ministers say in their letter:

Dear Prime Minister

We congratulate you on your appointment as Prime Minister.  This comes at a critical time when all four nations of the country face unprecedented constitutional challenges which are placing great strain on the relationships between our governments.

We are concerned that you have not ruled out leaving the European Union without a deal on 31 October.  While we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for this eventuality, there should be no doubt that the consequences would be catastrophic for all parts of the UK.  It would be unconscionable for a UK Government to contemplate a chaotic no-deal exit, and we urge you to reject this possibility clearly and unambiguously as soon as possible.  We are also clear that the decision on EU exit must now be put back to the people.  It is the policy of both governments that the UK Parliament should legislate for a further referendum.  If such a referendum is held we will argue strongly that the UK should remain in the EU.

While the prospect of a no-deal exit exists, despite the differences between our governments, there must be strong and constructive joint planning and action to mitigate the effects so far as possible.  As recognised when we were preparing for a March deadline, this must be done in a way that fully respects devolution.  And in any next phase of the EU Exit process, the meaningful involvement of all the United Kingdom’s governments in the decisions that affect them is crucial.  This will require a significant shift in the culture and approach to intergovernmental relations we have experienced over the past three years, to ensure that proper respect is given to devolved interests and institutions.

Against this background, there are a number of early steps that could be taken to establish a more productive relationship between our governments.

First, we need to complete the Inter-governmental Relations Review to put in place more robust machinery for working together on the basis of greater equality.  We cannot reset the relationships and deliver these priorities without replacing the current inadequate inter-governmental machinery which is not fit for purpose.  We need to urgently replace the current arrangements with ones which recognise the equality of status of each government and provide an opportunity for genuine discussions and influence over policy making.  There is a need to build confidence in the respect for decisions made by the devolved institutions, especially legislative decisions under the Sewel Convention.  There is also a need for independently-facilitated mechanisms for resolving disputes.  Addressing these issues effectively requires urgent, meaningful and timetabled action, before any withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

Second, we need a commitment to full involvement of the devolved administrations in international negotiations which impact on devolved competence.  If we leave the European Union, we will need to renegotiate the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union institutions and the rest of the world.  The interests and responsibilities of the devolved institutions and governments will be affected, directly and indirectly.  The devolved institutions and governments also have knowledge and expertise to contribute to the UK’s negotiating efforts.  The former Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster recognised the need for the UK Government to agree an enhanced role for the devolved institutions and governments in any such discussions and decisions.  We seek an early commitment from you to do just that, without prejudice to the full completion of the IGR Review.  The Scottish and Welsh Governments and our Parliaments cannot be expected to co-operate on implementing obligations in devolved areas where we have not been fully involved in the determination of those obligations.

Third, your Government needs to make good the promises made by the Leave campaign that Scotland and Wales would be no worse off as a result of leaving the EU.  We require a commitment that there will be no financial detriment to the devolved administrations and the public sector more generally in Wales and Scotland in consequence of the EU withdrawal process.  The forthcoming Spending Review should end the policy of austerity in the interest of all governments.  The establishment of successor arrangements for EU funding must be based on genuine engagement and fully respect the devolution settlements.  The lack of any meaningful engagement between our governments on what a proposal for a UK wide Shared Prosperity Fund, agreed on the basis of parity, might look like is particularly concerning.  It would be unacceptable if the UK Government made unilateral decisions on spending in areas currently the responsibility of the devolved administrations, accountable to our respective legislatures and electorates.

Fourth, the Immigration White Paper needs to be replaced by proposals which reflect the needs of the economy of the whole of the United Kingdom. The impact on Scotland and Wales of the UK Government’s proposals to end EU free movement of people has been continually ignored.  Both countries will face severe demographic, economic and social challenges should the UK Government continue to reinforce the commitment to cut net migration to the ‘tens of thousands’.  We must urgently discuss how to collaboratively develop migration policy in a way that fully meets the distinct needs of each part of the UK.

These changes cannot be delivered without proper consideration of any differences of understanding between governments in relation to the devolution settlement: relationships between and roles of the UK and devolved governments, and thus the basis of engagement. The devolution settlement does not create a hierarchy of governments: each administration has its area of competence, for which is accountable to an elected legislature.  There is therefore a need for negotiation and agreement between the governments to be recognised as the only possible basis for successful joint working.

Your appointment provides an important opportunity to recognise the significance of these issues and put in place actions required to reset relationships for the effective governance of the United Kingdom.  We ask that you convene a meeting of the Heads of Government as soon as possible so that we can discuss these critical issues as a matter of urgency. 

Your agreement to these steps would be an important signal to us, to our legislatures and to our peoples of the positive way in which you intend to work with us during your tenure.

Yours sincerely

NICOLA STURGEON                                MARK DRAKEFORD