Fishermen concerned over hard border
Fishing industry leaders have raised concerns over the prospectofahardborderwithengland being introduced after Scottish independence.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to rule out the possibility last week when questioned about the prospect of an independent Scotland rejoining the European Union while the rest of the UK, post-brexit, pursues a different approach on tax and tariffs
Jimmy Buchan, head of the Scottish Seafood Association, hit out at the prospect.
“The last thing we need after all the turmoil my members have endured over the past few years is more uncertainty,” he said. “Politicians putting themselves before constituents need to slow down, take a deep breath and allow business to get on with what it has to do. The thought of the queues to get through custom checks is ludicrous.”
The seafood industry contributes around £1 billion to the Scottish economy and 60 per cent of its trade is with the rest of the UK.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of campaign group Scotland in Union, said: “A hard border with England would be catastrophic for Scotland’s economy, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.
“Our food and drink sector, particularly seafood, is a major success story that the SNP is willing to sacrifice in its reckless and relentless pursuit of Scexit. With 60 per cent of our trade with the rest of the UK, it is astonishing that the SNP is willing to put Scottish businesses at risk like this.”