AN SNP MP has called on the Tories to end their “denial” about the negative effects of Brexit on the UK economy.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Tommy Sheppard asked what assessment the Chancellor’s department has made on how Brexit has hit the UK’s finances.
This comes after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggested that the post-Brexit trading relationship will reduce long-run productivity by 4% relative to remaining in the EU.
The report added that exports and imports will be around 15% lower in the long run.
READ MORE: Angus Robertson: UK Government is 'actively undermining' Scotland overseas
Responding to the question, Tory MP and financial secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins said global factors such as the war in Ukraine have added pressures to trade.
“The government has been working to take advantage of leaving the EU including through the Edinburgh Reforms, new freeports and the opportunity to shape new trading relationships with the rest of the world”, she added.
The Edinburgh Reforms are a set of plans designed to drive growth and competitiveness in the financial services sector.
SNP MP @TommySheppard calls on the Tories to end their 'denial' over the impact of Brexit pic.twitter.com/iE3dQqSYlK
— The National (@ScotNational) March 21, 2023
Sheppard replied: “It’s not that difficult is it?”, which was met with some laughs from his fellow SNP MPs.
He continued: “The OBR last week published its report and at the bottom of page 46 it says quite clearly it’s predicting that Brexit means the UK economy will shrink by 4% and trade will go down by 15%.
“So isn’t it time to get over this denial phase and actually admit that Brexit has caused irreparable harm to the UK economy or is the OBR wrong?”
Atkins replied by saying the OBR has previously said it is “too early” to reach definitive conclusions on the impact of Brexit.
She added: “The government is focused on taking the opportunities seized by Brexit including the world’s biggest zero tariff, zero quota trade deal, and indeed Scotland itself will benefit from 71 new trade deals secured with non-EU countries and of course control of our fishing waters.
“But I do hope the honourable gentlemen also welcomes the £8.6m invested in Scotland’s festival economy at the Budget last week.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel