Commenting on reports that South Lanarkshire Council could stand to lose £12 million in EU funding should we leave the trading-bloc, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“Brexit from the outset has been a shambles, and information like this shows the true extent of how it will damage our communities.

“Whether its directly through the potential loss of EU funding or indirectly through the devastating impact it will have on our economy, Brexit will be a disaster for local authorities like South Lanarkshire.

“The Prime Minister has no clue whether she will reach any agreement, whether we will crash out the EU with no deal, or whether we won’t leave at all, so understandably it is difficult for public bodies to prepare.

“In addition to the extensive work undertaken by the Scottish Government, COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) is leading preparations for Brexit on behalf of its member Councils – and thankfully South Lanarkshire Council re-joined it when the new administration came to power.

“Rutherglen and Cambuslang voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, and if that won’t be possible, then we must remain in the Customs Union and Single Market to minimise such serious consequences.”

Date published: 22nd November 2018