Leaving the EU: Impact on the UK

Thewliss discusses the negative impacts of Brexit on Scotland's economy, including significant drops in trade, particularly affecting food and seafood exports. She mentions increased paperwork and costs for businesses and the loss of EU funding. She also highlights the importance of Erasmus+ and visa-free travel, arguing that the UK Government’s replacement schemes are inadequate. Thewliss emphasises the detrimental effects on education and cultural exchanges, as well as the impact on immigration policy.

Welcomes the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Argues that Brexit allowed for retaining benefits of EU membership while addressing concerns over sovereignty, costs, and accountability. Highlights economic achievements such as fisheries policy reform, agriculture act, trade deals with Japan, Canada, and Singapore.

Asks whether the Minister has consulted fishermen and seafood industry on the agreement's impact. Criticises the Fisheries Minister for not being fully aware of deal details due to a school play commitment.

Encourages the Minister and Lord Frost to push back on the Northern Ireland protocol, citing dissatisfaction with its implementation.

Claims Scottish Government proposals for Brexit have been ignored. Argues that SNP Members did not vote against every stage of the deal and would have ensured a no-deal exit, which is untrue.

Agrees with Minister's assessment of SNP inconsistency in voting against the deal while supporting no-deal Brexit.

Challenges whether the Government owes gratitude to the SNP for enabling a premature election leading to their majority, indirectly facilitating Brexit.

Called upon Members to adhere to the time limit of four minutes for Back-Bench contributions, warning that it may be reduced to three minutes later in the debate.

Describes the negative impacts of Brexit on Scotland's economy, including the failure to live up to promises made and the lack of support for businesses during the transition period. Criticises the Prime Minister's overpromising and underdelivering, particularly regarding non-tariff barriers and import standards. Calls for concrete action from the Government to resolve issues.

Questions Ian Murray about the discrepancy between his support for the trade deal in Westminster and the position of Scottish Labour's new leader, who opposed it in Holyrood.

Challenges Ian Murray on Scotland's trading relationship with the EU, pointing out that 62% of goods manufactured in Scotland go to the EU.

The SNP's contradictory policies on Scottish independence and the economic impact of Brexit are baffling. Despite 60% of Scotland’s trade being with the rest of the UK worth more than £50 billion and over half a million jobs linked to this trade, the SNP insists on pushing for separation from the United Kingdom while simultaneously advocating closer ties with the EU. The SNP voted against the UK-EU trade deal and supported a no-deal Brexit despite clear warnings about economic challenges and hardship it would bring.

Reflecting on the debate, it is noted that while there are benefits to Scotland being part of the EU, Ireland's experience post-independence shows a mixed picture. The SNP believes independence from the UK could free Scotland from Brexit's negative impacts and potentially foster closer economic ties with neighbours like Ireland. In MacNeil’s constituency, however, difficulties such as administrative challenges for ferries, issues in the salmon industry, and uncertainty about funding for arts organisations are becoming apparent due to Brexit.

Expresses anger over Brexit, criticising the dishonesty in the campaign for leaving the EU. Highlights additional costs faced by businesses due to the UK's trade deal with the EU, citing specific examples of local companies affected. Urges against further division through Scottish independence and advocates for a positive vision of the UK moving forward together.

The hon. Member called for shorter speeches to accommodate more speakers.

In his contribution, the hon. Member criticised the ill-conceived and poorly executed Brexit process, highlighting specific economic impacts such as losses in salmon farming and reductions in fish and shellfish exports due to Brexit.

The hon. Lady dismissed Opposition criticism of Brexit, emphasising the success of the UK's vaccine programme and expressing confidence that issues arising from the end of transition period can be resolved.

Holmes criticised the SNP's contradictory stance, pointing out their opposition to the Brexit deal which they claimed would lead to more disruption. He highlighted that Scotland received a higher number of vaccine doses per capita compared to the EU average and questioned the criticism from Scottish National party members on UK Government decisions during the pandemic.

Brock recounted past promises about a smooth Brexit which did not materialise, citing significant drops in exports and imports as reported by the Office for National Statistics. She detailed sector-specific impacts such as fish and shellfish export reductions of 83%, dairy down by half, and difficulties with workforce availability from EU countries post-Brexit.

Jardine acknowledged the negative impacts of Brexit but disagreed with SNP's stance on Scottish independence. She appealed to SNP members to listen to their arguments against Brexit and consider its implications for economic decline, suggesting that separating from the UK would exacerbate issues rather than provide solutions.

He emphasises that Brexit has been positive for the UK, highlighting events such as hosting the G7 and COP26. He mentions local economic benefits in the west midlands from investments by Jaguar Land Rover, and criticises SNP members for negative views on Brexit. Sambrook also defends the Turing scheme against criticism regarding Erasmus.

She discusses the negative impact of Brexit on her constituents, including loss of opportunities for tradespeople and professionals, delays in manufacturing imports and exports, damage to creative sector links with Europe, disruption to Erasmus student exchange programme, concerns about food and consumer standards, and EU citizens feeling unwelcome. She criticises the UK Government's handling of Brexit and suggests that an independent Scotland could offer better opportunities.

Smyth expresses her belief in the freedom of movement across the British Isles and criticises the current government for creating division through its narrow English nationalism. She advocates for understanding, inclusion, and respect among different communities to advance mutual interests.

Wood highlights local support for Brexit in his constituency, acknowledging initial challenges but emphasising the successful conclusion of a trade deal. He discusses specific customs issues faced by businesses post-Brexit and argues that Brexit offers opportunities to increase international trade and reform domestic tax structures.

Critiqued the Prime Minister's diplomatic approach, arguing it undermines trust and cooperation with international partners. Mentioned that businesses are threatened by extra costs and bureaucracy due to Brexit, leading many to move activities or jobs from the UK to EU countries. The deal overlooked services sector and led to less effective police and security measures. Environmental standards were at risk, performers' freedom was restricted, and educational opportunities diminished.

Emphasised the positives of Brexit, including vaccine roll-out agility, new trade deals, tariff removal for Scotch whisky exports to US, and global outlook of Turing scheme providing opportunities. Suggested that Opposition should welcome social mobility at heart of Turing scheme.

Shared frustrations over Government's handling post-Brexit, citing exports to EU falling by 39%, imports by 16%, and business leaders seeing exodus of foreign workers. Indicated economic struggles with potential £3,600 loss per UK household due to Brexit. Questioned the Government’s response to low-wage earners and benefits recipients. Criticised Northern Ireland protocol shambles and lack of respect for international law.

Defended the Conservative stance on Brexit, highlighting trade deals passed since EU exit, including a landmark deal with US hope. Emphasised taking control over trade, borders, and laws. Introduced points-based immigration system to regain border control. Highlighted communities' voices being heard post-Brexit in Westminster.

The SNP focuses excessively on Brexit rather than addressing day-to-day challenges like school standards and NHS waiting times. The SNP's ideological opposition to Brexit contradicts its desire for more devolved decision-making powers. Despite the challenges, the UK Government is supporting businesses impacted by export delays with £23 million and will modernise fishing fleets with £100 million. Trade with the rest of the UK supports over half a million jobs in Scotland compared to 144,000 linked to EU trade.

Brexit strengthens the Union by allowing us to lead in science, innovation, and defence. The SNP's claim that Brexit strengthens the case for Scottish independence is false; if they wanted an independent Scotland, they would have campaigned to remain in the EU. The EU would not welcome a financially unstable Scotland as it sets a precedent for separatist movements. People across the UK want leadership, stability, humility, and fairness, which the SNP fails to provide.

The current Brexit chaos has caused significant economic harm, particularly in the food and drink sector with EU exports down by over 60% in January 2021. The Scottish economy is heavily reliant on trade with the rest of the UK, with only 19% of its exports going to the EU. There are ongoing negotiations with the EU on various fronts, including issues arising from the Northern Ireland protocol. The Prime Minister's hard Brexit approach has weakened Britain's negotiating position and sovereignty.

Wakeford criticises the SNP for hypocrisy in wanting a democratic referendum but refusing to accept previous votes, including those on Brexit. He argues that while Labour Members still wish for Britain to remain within the EU single market and customs union, the UK has already left and needs to focus on levelling up across nations and regions within the Union. Emphasises the benefits of unity under a global Britain framework with multiple trade deals and vaccine rollouts.

Amesbury points out that UK exports to EU are down by 41% since Brexit, citing poor government decisions leading to increased red tape for businesses. He highlights the detrimental impact on fisheries, where exports have dropped by 83%, and chemical industries facing additional costs. Amesbury urges the Government to take legal measures and conduct an impact assessment similar to what is done for other countries.

Thomson argues that the debate topic was chosen due to a significant portion of voters in Scotland supporting independence as a result of their dissatisfaction with how Brexit has unfolded. He suggests aligning food and agricultural standards with EU norms to reduce friction across borders, particularly those caused by new trade arrangements.

Welcomes the opportunity to express support for the United Kingdom and its union, criticises SNP's focus on independence rather than practical issues such as jobs and investment. Emphasises the Conservative Government’s mission to 'level up' prosperity across all parts of the UK. Reiterates that Scotland is part of a greater partnership aiming at achieving optimal outcomes for all citizens.

Highlights the negative impacts of Brexit on Scotland's economy, including chaos in customs and border checks, significant drops in export figures, particularly seafood exports. Criticises the UK Government for poor preparation and lack of support for affected industries. Expresses concern over the undermining of devolution through the Internal Market Act 2020 and direct rule decisions that may not align with Scotland's priorities.

Thanked hon. and right hon. Members for their contributions, highlighting that the debate was optimistic about the UK's new path outside the EU while recognising challenges. Emphasised that the Brexit vote reflects a desire for agility and democratic accountability. Rejected SNP criticisms as 'post-imperial stress' syndrome, arguing Scotland is integral to the UK’s future. Discussed opportunities under the Turing scheme, investment in Scottish fishing fleet, collaboration on border frictions, and EU regional funding replacement with the shared prosperity fund. Highlighted positive aspects of immigration control, procurement regime benefits for SMEs, and new trade deals. Criticised SNP portrayal of Scotland's economic relationship with the UK, noting the relocation of civil servants to Glasgow under a more decentralised governance model.