IAN BLACKFORD

Jobs grow in face of Brexit threat

@IanBlackfordMP UNEMPLOYMENT in Scotland has fallen once again, hitting another record low and we once again outperformed the UK as a whole.

In the face of a right-wing Tory Government in Westminster, the SNP Scottish Government will continue to support businesses and attract investment. But we will also ensure that those who need a little extra help are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

While Scotland’s economy and job market continues to grow, the UK Tory Government’s plans to drag Scotland out of the EU against our will would slash jobs and living standards, making households poorer.

The single biggest threat to Scotland’s economy is the isolationist idea of ending Freedom of Movement – a plan that Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn subscribe to.

As a nation, we must be able to grow our workingage population and these inward-looking plans to bring up the drawbridge on EU migration tie Scotland’s hands, leaving many industries understaffed.

In my own experience as a Highland MP, sectors like tourism employ a huge number of EU citizens who feel threatened by May’s plans to curtail their rights.

Brexit remains the biggest threat to our economy – every scenario will cost jobs and leave people poorer. If this threat was removed, Scotland’s economy could soar. OVER the past few months, it seems impossible for a week to pass without mentioning Brexit.

Even during this time of Parliamentary recess when I’m out and about in my constituency, it’s the big issue on people’s minds.

It’s now more than a week since the UK was rescheduled to leave the European Union, until Europe granted Theresa May an extension. Since then, it’s safe to say that there has been little more than hot air leaving Downing Street.

Scotland has been shut out of talks and ignored by the UK Government.

The Westminster parties are offering absolutely nothing for Scotland. Our nation voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU and the polls show no sign of that vote fading.

Every single piece of analysis shows Brexit would be devastating for Scotland.

The Tories have proven themselves to be utterly incompetent when it comes to Brexit. Leaving the EU with Theresa May’s deal or no-deal would be devastating for the UK and its businesses.

In Scotland, this could cost up to 100,000 jobs and risk plunging the