Minister says Scottish independence would cause greater disruption than Brexit
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Scottish independence poses a greater threat to businesses in Scotland than “any friction” caused by Brexit, a trade minister has said.
Conservative frontbencher Graham Stuart told MPs that Scottish companies complain to him about the “relentless pursuit of Scottish independence”, as he hit out at SNP MPs.
Mr Stuart added that independence would result in a “loss of opportunity” for businesses and people in Scotland.
What Scottish businesses raise with me is the biggest threat to their trade isn't any friction as we move to the new settlement on the EU border.
SNP MP Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) highlighted concerns raised by lorry drivers over a no-deal Brexit, and asked for assurances that there will be minimal disruption.
Mr Stuart said the Government has been working “flat out” to “minimise the challenges” when the transition period ends on December 31.
He went on: “What Scottish businesses raise with me is the biggest threat to their trade isn’t any friction as we move to the new settlement on the EU border.
“It’s the fact that 60% of all Scottish exports go to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – more than the rest of the world combined, and it’s that and the threat (Mr Day) poses to Scottish business in that way that really worries them for the long term.”
