This week the UK Government kick-started the third phase of the public information campaign ‘Get ready for Brexit’. A new countdown calendar has been introduced to highlight the number of days left to get ready for Brexit. Continue reading Get Ready for Brexit: campaign moves to new phase with factsheet launch
A report has been published detailing the range of measures being put in place by the Scottish Government to mitigate a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
The overview document outlines the depth and scope of work underway, suggests what actions the UK Government should take and sets out the challenges Scotland may nevertheless face in the event of a ‘no deal’ on 31 October. Continue reading Scotland prepares for No Deal Brexit
Communities Secretary calls for urgent UK Government action.
Organisations helping people struggling with food insecurity are to benefit from an additional £1 million to deal with the additional pressures of Brexit. Continue reading Brexit funds for people struggling to afford food
The Scottish Government has requested £52 million from the UK Government’s EU Exit Operational Contingency Fund ahead of 31 October to help prepare for a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU.
Restating the Scottish Government’s opposition to a Brexit of any kind, and in particular to a ‘no deal’ Brexit, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay called on the UK Government to cover all additional costs associated with preparing to leave the EU, including those beyond 31 October.
The UK Government has indicated that funding is available where Scotland faces disproportionate costs.
Requests include funding to support:
Mr Mackay said: “The UK Government now seems to be actively pursuing a ‘no deal’ outcome which is utterly unacceptable and must be avoided at all costs.
“We have requested £52 million from the UK Government’s fund to help us prepare for a ‘no deal’ outcome. This is the minimum requirement for operational activity but the real costs of a ‘no deal’ Brexit will massively outweigh these and further funding will be required.
“Exiting the EU was not Scotland’s choice and the Scottish Government has been clear that any related costs must be covered by the UK Government. The Scottish Government should not have to cut spending on public services to fund Brexit preparations.
“As a responsible government, we are already taking steps to protect jobs and our economy from a ‘no deal’ Brexit and we will set out those plans to Parliament shortly but we are facing additional and disproportionate costs to mitigate the impact of such an outcome.
“We will continue make the case for staying in the EU and will stand firm against efforts to take us out against our will.”
THE EUROPEAN MOVEMENT in SCOTLAND
EDINBURGH 4 EUROPE
MARCH TO REMAIN IN THE EU
A Tory Prime Minister, with no UK-wide mandate, is planning to take us all out of the European Union, without a deal, threatening our jobs, services and citizens’ rights, on 31October. Scotland voted 62% for Remain in the 2016 referendum, yet our views continue to be ignored.
Crashing out of the EU with no deal is the worst possible outcome – it could wipe £11billion off Scotland’s economy in under a year and lead to job losses of 10-25%. Jobs in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors are most at risk. Millions of EU citizens could lose their rights overnight. There will be shortages of essential drugs and food.
We will also lose sovereignty by becoming subservient to Donald Trump and without real protection from an ineffective World Trade Organisation.
We did not vote for this. The Edinburgh4Europe March and Rally on 21 September, could be our last our chance to show Boris Johnson the strength of feeling in Scotland against him and his chaotic no deal Brexit.
We demand that MPs revoke Article 50 to prevent a no deal Brexit. We must remain in the EU to preserve peace in Europe and to ensure shared action to prevent climate change.
21 September is the United Nations International Day of Peace: https://internationaldayofpeace.org/
Gather in West Parliament Square, outside St Giles Cathedral, at 2pm and march to Holyrood, where we will hear passionate speakers, including:
Joanna Cherry QC MP, SNP
Lord John Kerr, author of Art. 50
Lorna Slater, Co-Leader, Scottish Greens
Ian Murray MP, Labour
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Scottish Lib Dems
Professor Tanja Bueltmann
Madeleina Kay, EU Supergirl
Cathy Wigley, Women4EU
More speakers to be added as they are confirmed …
Bring your placards and banners!
Event organised by Edinburgh for Europe, affiliated to the European Movement in Scotland. Contact ed.activists@euromovescotland.org.uk for more info or to join the Brexit resistance.
Edinburgh4Europe March
Saturday 21 September 2pm
Join us on Saturday, September 21st at 2pm when we march in Edinburgh showing our support for membership of the European Union and especially recognise its ongoing peacemaking role and its work as a mechanism for taking action on climate change!
Share with all your friends and family and colleagues:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1180448458814458/
Over 100,000 jobs could be at risk with many employers unaware of the extent to which their organization may be at risk Continue reading No Deal Brexit will heap more pressure on social care industry
Advice and support to stay in Scotland
EU citizens affected by changes to the immigration rules as a result of Brexit are to be offered extra support and advice.
The EU Citizens’ Rights Project, backed by £50,000 from the Scottish Government, will deliver nationwide events to raise awareness about what they need to do to stay in Scotland after Brexit.
The focus will be on helping vulnerable EU citizens who may have more complex needs or who may face barriers to applying for settled status, and may need additional support. Immigration lawyers will offer expert advice and interpretation will be available where appropriate.
Migration Minister Ben Macpherson said: “EU citizens significantly enrich our society and make a huge contribution to Scotland’s economy and public services. My message to them is simple: you will always be welcome in Scotland, we want you to stay and we will support you to stay. That is why the Scottish Government launched our Stay in Scotland campaign earlier this year.
“It is deplorable that the UK Government is forcing EU citizens to apply to retain their existing rights, and we continue to urge the UK Government to implement a declaratory system. However we also want to ensure that people remain in Scotland and that they are informed and supported when applying for settled status.
“That is why we are funding the Citizens’ Rights Project to deliver a series of outreach and information events for EU citizens and their families across Scotland. These events will raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme, provide applicants with the necessary information, and signpost to available support to help people to stay.”
Noelia Martinez, Project Coordinator for the Citizens Rights Project, said: “This type of support is extremely important for EU citizens in Scotland who are concerned about what would happen to their rights after Brexit.
“Many, like myself, have successfully applied for Settled Status, but we know from our previous outreach and information work that there are still lots of EU citizens who are not sure about how to apply, or have faced difficulties in making application.
“This further funding is very welcome, as it will allow us to continue our work, with an emphasis in particular on reaching vulnerable EU citizens, and those who live in more remote areas of Scotland.”
Continue reading Labour leader to address pro-People’s Vote event alongside student activists
