Warning lucrative video games sector at risk from hard Brexit

One of Dundee’s most important industries is at risk from a talent exodus and price increases in the event of a hard Brexit, a report has warned.

The video games sector was worth £1.2 billion and 34,000 jobs to the UK economy in 2016 – and the City of Discovery is a key British hub.

Campaigners Games4EU said products would be more expensive and even unavailable under a damaging Brexit. The industry faces “considerable uncertainty and bureaucracy, driving up costs and impeding day-to-day business”, the study warns.

It says that if EU trade access is not maintained UK-based businesses “will be compelled to relocate to EU in whole/part over time”.

The authors also expect “talent scarcity and a brain drain” without the easy availability of labour from the continent.

Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray said Scotland’s leading role in the sector is “now at risk from Brexit”.

“This is an industry which is vital for jobs in Edinburgh and Dundee in particular, and brings huge investment into the cities, but the Tories are now jeopardising that,” he said.

“The launch of Scotland for a People’s Vote demonstrates the strength of opinion here about avoiding a hard Brexit.

“Momentum behind the demand that the people have the final say on Brexit is growing all the time.”

MP Ian Murray says Scotland’s role is at risk.