SNP members have backed a resolution rebuking the “devastating consequences” of the UK Government’s “dangerous Brexit obsession”.
The topical conference resolution, debated on Saturday morning, highlighted the impact leaving the EU has had on Scottish businesses and people.
SNP MSP Clare Adamson, who moved the motion, said that Scotland “deserves better” and called for an urgent intervention from the UK Government to address the major shortages the country is facing.
The emergency resolution highlighted the concerns at reports of shortages in water treatment chemicals and blood tubes in some NHS settings, as well as shortages in hospitality, HGV drivers and supermarkets as a result of Brexit and the hostile environment created by the Tories has forced EU nationals to leave Scotland.
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The SNP conference also took the opportunity to stress the importance of inward migration to Scotland’s economy and public services, and how migration enriches communities across the country.
The full resolution read: “That Conference condemns the Tory UK government for imposing Brexit on businesses in Scotland and imposing unnecessary disruption and chaos at a time when firms were already trying to survive as a result of the pandemic.
“Conference reiterates that Scotland was dragged out of the EU against its will and all efforts to keep Scotland in the Single Market and Customs Union were ignored by Westminster whilst Northern Ireland was granted a special arrangement.
“Conference raises concerns at reports of shortages in water treatment chemicals and blood tubes in some NHS settings as a result of supply chain issues as a result of Brexit.
“Conference notes the recent research that shows how Brexit is costing Scotland’s food and drink industry £62million a week.
“Conference recognises that as a result of the Tories’ Brexit obsession that shortages in hospitality, HGV drivers and supermarkets is as a result of Brexit and the hostile environment created by the Tories has forced EU nationals to leave Scotland.
“In addition, Conference highlights the importance of inward migration to Scotland’s economy and how immigration not only has economic benefits to Scotland but also enriches communities across the country.
“To conclude, Conference recognises that Scotland would be better off as an independent country as a member of the European Union with all the benefits that membership brings.”
Adamson said: “Scotland didn’t vote for Brexit and our people, business and communities cannot be forced to pay the price for the Tories’ damaging Brexit obsession.
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“We are now seeing the reality of the Tories Brexit obsession and incompetence – with businesses struggling for staff, HGV drivers unable to make vital journeys and empty shelves in supermarkets, and recent research showing Brexit is costing Scotland’s food and drink industry £62 million a week.
“Scotland deserves better than this. It’s time for an urgent intervention from the UK Government, which has so far refused to address the major shortages the UK is experiencing as a direct result of Brexit.
“Delivering on our historic election win, the people of Scotland will be offered a lifeline out of the economic and social damage of a right-wing Brexit-obsessed Tory government at Westminster. Independence will give us the chance to re-join a market seven times bigger than the UK, and is the only way that we can protect Scotland’s jobs, incomes and economy.”
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