Ayrshire economy ‘being made to suffer’ from Brexit, says area’s MP
AYR, Carrick and Cumnock’s MP has said that Ayrshire households and businesses are being “made to suffer” from Brexit.
The comments by Allan Dorans came after a business leader slammed Brexit and said there is ‘no evidence’ of the promised dividend to businesses across the country.
Shevaun Haviland, directorgeneral of the British Chambers of Commerce said Rishi Sunak should pursue a veterinary agreement to remove checks on food products, something that has affected Scotland’s food and drink sector.
Ms Haviland also called for changes to the visa system for skilled workers from Europe to work in the UK to fill current gaps in the labour market.
Mr Dorans has renewed his calls for Scottish independence as a means of the country rejoining the EU.
Speaking to Bloomberg News, Ms Haviland said: “We are not talking about uncontrolled immigration, we are talking about very specific sectors.
“It’s also driving wage increases and small businesses suffer more.
“Generally, deregulation doesn’t excite people.”
Mr Dorans said: “Again, we have even more confirmation that Brexit doesn’t work, at the expense of households and businesses here in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
“Scotland’s economy has suffered the double whammy of leaving the EU and the Conservative-made cost of living crisis.
“Last week we learned that Scottish exports had nose-dived by 13 per cent since Brexit.
“However, there is no way back to the EU under Westminster control with Labour signed up as a fully-fledged Brexit party.
“Meanwhile countries of a similar size to us continue to outperform the UK.
“That is why it is only with independence that Scotland can unleash its full potential by re-joining the European Union.”