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THE UK GOVERNMENT is “forcing” Scotland in the “wrong direction” with Brexit, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The Scottish Prime Minister, speaking as the agreement on the future relationship between the UK and the European Union (EU) was being published, complained that promises made to the country’s fishing sector had been ‘broken’.
He insisted it was “extraordinary” that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had decided to “inflict a hard Brexit” on the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting recession.
Sturgeon spoke on the issue after the Scottish government warned that the deal reached by the prime minister could cost Scotland £ 9 billion by 2030.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the UK government had reached a “fantastic deal”, adding that coastal communities could “thrive outside of the unfair EU Common Fisheries Policy”.
His comments came after the Scottish government’s analysis indicated that GDP could shrink by about 6.1%, compared to remaining in the EU.
With Scotland having voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, Sturgeon emphasized that Brexit was happening “against the wishes of the majority of people in Scotland” and said it would “affect employment and the level of life at the worst possible time. “
Writing in The Times newspaper, he said: “An extension of the current agreements with the EU was offered earlier this year, but the UK government rejected it.
“And while no deal could have been worse, Mr. Johnson’s deal involves short-term disruptions and long-term barriers.”
The Scottish Prime Minister stated that, as a result of the new agreements, “our people will be less secure and will lose their right to work, study and live elsewhere in Europe.”
He continued: “They will take us out of the EU single market. The promises made to our fishing communities have been broken. “
Sturgeon said leaving the EU was “yet another example of conservative governments forcing Scotland in the wrong direction.”
But he said that if Scotland became independent and could rejoin the trading bloc, it could be a “bridge between the UK and the EU.”
The Scottish government fears that lamb and beef exports will be hit hard by the additional costs of exporting to the EU after December, when the current transition period ends.
Meanwhile, companies trying to access EU markets will face additional bureaucracy and costs, and the Scottish fishing sector will require new certificates and changes in business practices to continue exporting to the EU.
In the key Scottish fishing industry, the Scottish government fears that the fleet north of the border will only see a fraction of the promised additional quota.
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Another concern raised by Scottish ministers is that cooperation on justice and security could be seriously affected.
But Alister Jack said that after “a long and tough negotiation” with the EU, the UK had “secured a fantastic deal”.
Writing in The Times, he said: “This is great news for Scottish businesses and families.
“Having struck a UK-wide deal in record time, there are opportunities ahead. It is the first time the EU has reached a zero fee, zero fee agreement, giving Scottish companies exceptional access to the EU. “
The UK Government Minister continued: “Our agreement will ensure that our coastal communities thrive outside the unfair EU Common Fisheries Policy.
“We will invest in our fishing communities and restore the fleet so that our fishermen can catch more fish. The Scottish fish processing sector will benefit from duty free access to EU markets.
“Products from Scotch whiskey to Orkney cheddar will be protected in the EU. And the agreement meets the UK’s commitment to high standards, reflecting the importance we place on being a leader in quality and standards. “
He said: “This is a historic moment for the entire UK. It’s time for us to come together and make the most of the new opportunities. “
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