For immediate release:
NO-DEAL BREXIT COULD COST RUTHERGLEN CONSTITUENCY 750 JOBS
A new study published by the UK Trade Policy Observatory has revealed the shocking extent of potential job losses in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Data calculated by the research group at Sussex University suggests that 63,000 jobs based in Scotland could be at risk if Britain leaves the EU without a deal, and Rutherglen’s Westminster constituency could lose 750 jobs alone.
According to the UK Trade Policy Observatory, their estimates are conservative as recent forecasts, including those from the UK Government, suggests job losses of roughly twice as much.
The Prime Minister Theresa May has recently given MPs an ultimatum, that is her deal, no-deal, or no Brexit, whilst she is increasingly under pressure from the SNP and others to allow for a so-called People’s Vote.
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has slammed the UK Government’s Brexit preparations and said the figures from the UK Trade Policy Observatory show that “remaining in the EU is the best option for Scotland.”
Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:
“These figures are quite shocking, and lay bare the catastrophic effects that a no-deal Brexit would have on my Rutherglen constituency. 750 jobs is certainly not a drop in the ocean, and it would be devastating for local people and our communities.
“My Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituents voted to remain in the EU in 2016, and there is little that the UK Government is proposing that would convince anyone they were wrong to do so.
“The UK Government’s own studies show that the worst-case no-deal scenario would slash the UK’s GDP by 10.7% in 15 years, and this new study further proves just how devastating crashing out of the EU would be.
“All of the analysis shows that the least worst option for our economy, if we are to leave the EU, would be to stay in the Single Market and the Customs Union. However, what these stats and others show, is that remaining in the EU is in the best option for Scotland.”
ENDS
Notes:
UK Trade Policy Observatory study:
Click to access 632-constituencies-Data-no-deal.pdf
Theresa May’s ultimatum:
Date published: 17th December 2018
Clare Haughey MSP 