Let’s stop talking down our country

The term “fake news” emerged as one of the phrases of the last year, but it’s not a new term. The Unionist parties in Scotland been spreading fake news for years about Scotland’s economy, our resources and the kind of future that we could build if Scotland chose an independent future.

Talking Scotland down is their stock in trade.

Just a few weeks ago I undertook a trade mission to Germany to meet with business leaders to reaffirm the position that Scotland remains open for business. Instead of welcoming this move, I was accused by the Tories of using the opportunity to ‘talk up Scotland’. I have to admit that it’s true. I have been going round promoting Scottish businesses and I can tell you without fear of contradiction that I have been talking up Scotland, and I’ve been doing it deliberately.

There is indeed much to talk about – Scotland’s economy is strong, diverse and has proved itself to be resilient in the face of the most challenging global conditions. Since 2007 the number of registered businesses in Scotland has grown by 15 per cent, rising to an all-time record level and between 2007 and 2015, the value of Scotland’s international exports has increased by 41 per cent. Our youth unemployment rate is second lowest in the whole of the EU and there are now more people in employment in Scotland than before the 2008 recession.

However, we now face a hard Brexit and all the damage that this will cause to jobs and the economy of Scotland. The Fraser of Allander Institute have warned that the Tory’s Brexit plans could result in the loss of 80,000 jobs. Our exports could be more than 11 per cent lower and real wages are expected to be seven per cent lower – that’s equivalent to a reduction of around £2000 per year. While the Tories might think that this is a price worth paying for their Brexit dreams, the SNP say Scotland has a choice.

In the months following the EU Referendum, the First Minister has tried to find compromise and agreement with the Prime Minister but instead of meeting us halfway or, frankly, any of the way, Westminster chose to dig its heels in. Faced with the Prime Minister’s refusal to compromise in any way, the First Minister had to make a decision firmly based on what is in the best interests of Scotland and that decision is that after the terms of Brexit are clear but while there is still an opportunity to change course, the people of Scotland will have the opportunity to choose a different path through an independence referendum.

The Prime Minister is stuck on repeat with her “now is not the time” refrain but on this we agree – people should be able to choose Scotland’s future when the terms of the Brexit deal are known.

While the Tories may say “no you can’t” and “no you won’t”, the First Minister has made it clear that it is the people of Scotland and not the Tory party who will choose the future of our country. A recent poll demonstrates that 61 per cent of people back the SNP’s plans to give them a choice over their future with 56 per cent also believing that Holyrood should set the timescale for that to happen — a clear rejection of Tory attempts to prevent the people of Scotland having that choice. The message this sends to the UK Tory Government is clear — if they try to block a referendum they will be acting against the wishes of the people of Scotland.