Ewing warns Scots firms could face collapse
Some businesses could be pushed to the brink of collapse because of additional burdens caused by Brexit, Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary has said.
Fergus Ewing said firms that have already been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic could struggle further as a result of the additional paper work needed to sell to European countries.
He also raised fears the UK Government maybe seeking to pass the blame for a "perceived lack of preparedness" for Brexit on to the Scottish Government and councils.
Mr E wing outlined his concerns in a letter to the UK Environment, Food and Rural Affairs S ecre - tary Ge or geEu st ice. Ministers anticipate a" massive increase in demand" for the Export Health Certificates (EHCS) firms will need to sell seafood and animal products to the EU.
Mr Ewing said while this issue was raised by the UK Government in recent meetings it was"d if ficult to avoid the impression that the UK Government is seeking to attrib - ute blame to the Scottish Government and Scottish local authorities for some perceived lack of preparedness".
The Rural Economy Secretary said" any such suggestion is simply untrue ", adding Holy rood minis ters and officials have been warning the UK Government for months that the new requirements -which will come into effect when the UK'S Brexit transition period finishes at the end of this month - will place a "significant administrative and financial burden on exporters". Mr Ewing warned: "These additional burdens could lead some businesses to the brink of collapse."