No deal Brexit will have impact on every day life

The phrase, “all politics is local” is common in American political debate, but it also is reflected in every decision politicians make around the world.

Last week, my summer surgery tour kicked off and it was clear that the decisions MPS are making in Westminster are taking their toll on my constituency.

My surgeries were inundated with constituents concerned with the Child Maintenance Service, welfare reform and changes to the state pension.

However, more than ever, people are concerned with the impact Brexit is already having on their job security, their businesses and their lives in general.

From Tarbrax to Uddingston and everywhere in between, local employers are already reducing their workforce while others are threatening to move completely to another EU member state.

It is clear that Brexit is having a negative impact on people’s lives.

My summer surgery tour coincided with Brexit Secretary Dominic Rabb saying that the UK government is ready to accept a no deal scenario.

This, despite the evidence saying that it would be the worst possible option for public services, jobs and living standards.

We already know the long term damage of leaving the EU without a deal. For Scotland, a no deal Brexit will see our economy shrink by £12.7 billion by 2030 and reduce disposable income by almost 10 per cent.

A no deal Brexit will also reduce jobs by 80,000 in Scotland.

The prospect of leaving without a deal has already hit those travelling abroad this summer.

The fall in the value of the pound has made the cost of European holidays more expensive and, outside of the EU, we may need to pay additional charges for going on holiday too.

The UK government has also confirmed that booking accommodation on Airbnb and flights on Ryanair could become more expensive.

Through these papers the UK Government have been forced to admit that food, medicines and blood would all need to be stockpiled to prevent them running out.

Dominic Rabb also confirmed that at least six weeks’ worth of medical supplies would need to be stockpiled by the NHS in order to ensure that there would be no immediate medical shortages.

My constituents could face soaring prices when shopping, and increased charges on holidays and overseas purchases.

While the many businesses in Lanark and Hamilton East that rely on trade with our largest export market would see a huge increase in costs and bureaucracy.

It is utterly ridiculous that we are being forced into a position that will undoubtedly be detrimental for so many people across the country.

I was elected to provide my constituents with a strong voice at Westminster, and in the face of a situation that everyone knows will have huge ramifications, it is my duty to make your voice heard.

When I return to Westminster next week, my SNP colleagues and I will continue to provide the real opposition that Labour have completely failed to.

I will call on the UK government to immediately rule out a no deal Brexit, and the Tories and Labour must finally get behind our compromise plan to remain in the single market and customs union.

Short of staying in the EU, as Scotland voted overwhelmingly for, that is the best and only way to protect jobs and prosperity.

In the face of a situation everyone knows will have huge ramifications, it is my duty to make your voices heard