Brexit and SNP missed opportunities are costing Scotland dearly

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today said that Brexit and SNP incompetence are costing Scotland dearly as new analysis from his party revealed that Scotland now exports less, both to EU destinations and to the rest of the UK.

Analysis of key Scottish Government statistics revealed that

• In 2023, Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK were valued at an estimated £55.4 billion, down 10% from 2018, whereas international exports were valued at an estimated £37.7 billion, which is a 4% real-terms decline since 2018.

• Exports to EU destinations, which account for just under half (45%) of international exports were estimated to have fallen by 11% in real terms, to £17 billion.

• ‘Food & drink’, worth £7.5 billion, remained Scotland’s largest international export sector, accounting for a fifth of Scotland’s international exports, despite a 5% real terms decrease since 2018.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Scotland has a huge amount going for it. We produce energy, technology, world class food and drink.

“Unfortunately our huge potential is being squandered. Part of that is Brexit. We are undeniably poorer because of the red tape and confusion that first the Conservatives and now Labour have burdened us with.

“But that is not the whole story. Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK have dropped too and for that the SNP need to take a share of the blame. Their economic incompetence and scattergun approach to tax has made Scotland a less attractive place to build up a business.

“All of the major parties have let you down. The Scottish Liberal Democrats believe Scotland deserves better than this. We believe in fairness for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from. That’s why we have a realistic plan to get things done, supporting business and getting the economy growing with a new customs union.

“At next year’s election, every vote for the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the second peach ballot will deliver change with fairness at its heart.”