Row over 12,600 jobs ` at risk’ due to Brexit

A Labour MSP has been criticised for creating “bluff and bluster” when highlighting potential job losses as a result of the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal.

Colin Smyth MSP was said to “dabble in scaremongering” after suggesting Tory Bill Grant MP reconsider his support for Boris Johnson’s “damaging deal” after new analysis revealed up to 4,500 manufacturing jobs in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock could be at risk.

The GMB argue that manufacturing industries rely on our membership of the EU customs union which ensures frictionless trade and zero tariffs within the EU. Sectors of the economy most vulnerable from being outside a customs union are food and drink manufacturing, chemicals, retail, transport and logistics.

The GMB’s analysis also shows that there are a further 8,100 jobs supported by the manufacturing sector in the wider Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock economy.

Mr Smyth said: “This analysis from the GMB Union demonstrates the harsh reality for people working in our region on the damage that could be caused by Boris Johnson’s Brexit Deal.

“Bill Grant should re- consider his support for Boris Johnson’s damaging Deal which could put over 12,600 jobs across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock at risk.”

But Mr Grant hit back and said : “It is typical of Colin to create bluff and bluster and dabble in scaremongering to shield the inadequacies of a party that demands a General Election and refuses, at least twice, to support it.

“A party that also demands that we leave the EU with a deal and three times vote against a deal. Let’s have that General Election; let’s move on from the impasse, secure the jobs, build our economy that supports public services, including the NHS and let’s trade with the world and not get bogged down in political points scoring. Let’s get Brexit done and respect democracy”.