New growth welcomed

Rutherglen’s MSP Clare Haughey has this week welcomed figures showing that Scotland’s economy has outperformed the UK’s in the second quarter of this year.

The SNP politician also reiterated calls to keep the country in the European Union.

According to official figures, announced by Scotland’s Chief Statistician, the economy in Scotland grew by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2018 while growth in the UK was at 0.4 per cent.

In the first half of this year, Scottish GDP grew by 0.8 per cent – ahead of the UK at 0.6 per cent over the same period, and already higher than the 0.7 per cent growth forecast by the Scottish Fiscal Committee for 2018 as a whole.

Ms Haughey said: “It is extremely encouraging to see that economic growth in Scotland is exceeding expectations.

“These figures show the success of the Scottish Government’s approach, focused on building a strong economy, investing in business and enterprise and supporting the industries of the future.

“This is welcome, but Brexit poses a real threat to Scottish jobs and household incomes – since the European single market is over eight times bigger than the UK market.

“Single market membership is absolutely crucial to protecting the jobs, incomes, and hard-won rights of millions of people across Scotland and the UK.”