SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has voiced his concerns about the potential trade opportunities being wasted, a problem set out in recent report by a cross- party Holyrood committee.
On 10th September 2024, Holyrood’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee published their damning report that outlined the challenges and drawbacks being faced in Scotland as a result of Westminster’s post-Brexit trade arrangements with the European Union.
The Committee concluded that custom formalities and regulatory checks have put costs and resource pressures on Scottish businesses who seek to continue trading with the world’s largest economic bloc. It is now estimated Brexit is costing the UK economy around £100 billion a Year through lost investment opportunities.
Following the report’s publication, Alasdair Allan commented:
“Sadly, I think this report confirms what many business owners in the Western Isles suspected. Before Brexit, our local industries could rely on frictionless trade with the EU. Now they’re faced with increasing costs and customs checks.
“It’s now clearer than ever that Brexit has been an economic calamity for Scotland and the UK. even more depressing is knowing that the majority of Scotland did not even vote for this.
“The new Labour Government simply do not want to talk about the damage Brexit continues to cause Scotland. I understand Westminster plans to ‘reset’ our relationship with Brussels, but the reality is the best way to benefit from EU, is to be a member of the EU. Yet Labour fails to advocate for our place in Europe.
“The SNP continues to be the only major campaigning for Scotland’s rightful place in the EU.”
