Scotland ‘lagging behind on Brexit’
Claims SNP not preparing as well as rest of UK
SCOTLAND faces being left behind the rest of the UK in the event of a No Deal Brexit because ministers have failed to prepare properly, it has been claimed.
The Scottish Government yesterday refused to commit any new funding towards plans for leaving the European Union without an agreement – even though this could be only 89 days away.
This is despite the UK Government stepping up its preparations, with £2.1billion extra confirmed this week.
Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘Any responsible government would plan for the eventuality of a No Deal Brexit, so quite why the SNP isn’t bothering is a mystery. We all know Nicola Sturgeon wants Brexit to be a disaster for Scotland to further her selfish independence agenda. Perhaps that’s why her government is sitting on its hands.’
Of the latest funding, £1.1billion will be directly handed to departments and devolved administrations, including £39.7million to the Scottish Government, which it can spend as it sees fit.
The remaining £1billion will be made available to public bodies which can demonstrate that they are facing disproportionate pressures.
The new funding means that the Scottish Government has received £138.4million from the UK Government as a result of its Brexit preparations south of the Border. It recently said that it has spent £27million on Brexit preparations.
The main areas to benefit have been the rural economy department, which received £9.2million, £4.8million invested in administration, and £3.6million to the finance, economy and fair work department.
The UK Government spending includes recruiting an extra 500 border post officers and extra money for customs agents and passport application processing.
A UK Government source said: ‘We have to prepare to leave without a deal. That applies to all levels of government, including the Scottish Government.’
The Confederation of British Industry said its research shows four in ten firms have done no preparation at all for Brexit.
Nicole Sykes of the CBI said: ‘The UK and Scottish Governments must work together to reduce the impact of No Deal on Scottish business and prioritise effective communication that puts ease of business and the economy first.’
Asked what additional funding will be provided for No Deal planning, a Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘No Deal Brexit should not happen and it will be entirely the responsibility of the UK Government if it does.’
Miss Sturgeon will chair a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Group on EU Exit Readiness next week. She said: ‘Our work to prepare for No Deal will intensify in the coming weeks.
‘But even with the best possible preparations, leaving the EU without a deal will hurt Scotland’s businesses, disrupt trade and impact on all aspects of society.
‘There is simply no way to mitigate every impact that No Deal will have, no matter how hard we try.’