John Swinney emphasizes the need for Scotland to rejoin the EU, warning of economic consequences if the UK doesn’t cooperate with Brussels.
Glasgow: John Swinney has made it clear that Scotland should aim to rejoin the European Union. He believes this should be a top priority for the nation. Swinney warned that if the UK Government doesn’t work closely with the EU, Scotland could face serious economic challenges.
In a recent speech, he laid out his vision for boosting the Scottish economy. He also suggested creating a special visa system for international students to stay in Scotland after they graduate. Swinney pointed out that Brexit is still causing significant harm to the economy.
He stated, “Scotland is a European nation, and our future lies within the EU.” He spoke at the new JP Morgan building, emphasizing the importance of access to the European market, which includes 450 million people and a massive GDP.
While he acknowledged that rejoining the EU won’t happen overnight, he stressed that failing to do so would come at a high cost for Scotland. He highlighted the demographic challenges the country faces, especially with a declining birthrate and reduced migration since Brexit.
Critics, including Labour representatives, argue that the SNP can’t keep blaming Brexit for its own economic issues. They believe practical solutions are needed to address the challenges Scotland faces.
Union leaders echoed this sentiment, stating that more constitutional debates won’t create jobs or contracts. They emphasized the need for better pay and conditions in various sectors to attract and retain workers.
Overall, Swinney’s call to action reflects a growing concern about Scotland’s economic future and the need for a clear strategy moving forward.
