Post-brexit

fast in the UK as in Scotland last year.

The FAI stated: “Others have argued that the prospects for a second independence referendum may be having an impact, although there is little robust data to formally test this hypothesis [and indicators of international investment remain positive].

“Taken together, though, it is possible to argue that such effects may have had a greater cumulative effect on Scotland, especially to confidence.”

Scotland’s productivity growth remains weak, and with inflation likely to rise above 3 per cent in the coming months, the outlook for household finances also looks grim. Britain may not be able to strike free trade deals with other countries until years after leaving the European Union, an international trade minister has suggested. Greg Hands said it “remains to be seen” whether the UK can make agreements with countries such as the US immediately after Brexit, expected by 29 March, 2019, despite it being a key plank of Prime Minister Theresa May’s strategy.

Brexit Secretary David Davis and Chancellor