The Scottish Government’s official export data has demonstrated the vital importance to Scotland’s economy of remaining in the UK.
The new figures for 2018 show an increase in exports to the rest of the UK by £1.2billion to £51.2billion (60 per cent), driven largely by the financial sector.
EU exports grew by £695million to £16.1billion (19 per cent). Non-EU exports account for 21 per cent of exports.
The data reveals that trade with the rest of the UK is over three times more important for Scotland’s economy than the EU.
The SNP’s plans to scrap the pound would have significant negative implications for trade in goods and services, particularly in financial services which is one of Scotland’s main exports.
Nicola Sturgeon’s proposal for a separate Scotland in the EU would also risk a hard border with England, jeopardising the frictionless movement of goods and threatening jobs – as well as putting barriers between friends and families.
But the figures have been revealed on the day the SNP is wasting parliamentary time with a debate on flags and a vote on a divisive and unwanted second independence referendum.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said:
“This official data is concrete proof that Scotland’s best future is remaining in the UK. “Our exports to the rest of the UK are a huge success story, but the SNP wants to take a wrecking ball to the economy for the sake of a border with England.
“Our home market is worth over three times as much for Scotland’s economy as the entire European Union, proving that whatever you think of Brexit, the answer is not Scexit.
“These figures were published on the day the SNP chose to waste parliamentary time on a divisive second independence referendum that the people of Scotland don’t want, which tells you everything you need to know about Nicola Sturgeon’s priorities.
“It’s time for her to be honest with voters about the risk of scrapping the pound and building a border with England, stop putting jobs at risk, and get on with the job she was elected to do. Scotland deserves better.” Source: https://www.gov.scot/publications/export-stats-scotland-2018/
