MSPs have backed a Scottish Government motion which recognises “the ongoing harm caused by Brexit to Scotland’s rural economy”.
The motion, tabled by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, was supported by 85 votes to 25.
Speaking in the debate chamber on Thursday, Gougeon (below) said: “Ambiguity around UK trade deal negotiations, and the confusion and uncertainty that still persists around trade deal negotiations, further demonstrates that Scotland’s trading interests would havee been best served by remaining in the EU.”
She added: “Many of the issues we are still dealing with are legacy choices that can be laid squarely at the former UK government’s door.
“A set of arbitrary and unnecessary choices are decisions taken proactively by them.”
READ MORE: Consultation launched for Scotland's new National Park in Galloway
A Conservative amendment which said many of the issues faced by rural communities stemmed from failures of SNP administrations was defeated by 85 votes to 26.
Meanwhile, a Labour amendment which welcomed the UK Government’s “commitment to reset the UK’s relationship with the EU” was passed by 86 votes to 25.
In the 2015 Brexit referendum, 62% of Scotland voted to remain, while just 38% voted to leave.
We told how the Office of Budget Responsibility said Brexit is continuing to have a “devastating” effect on the UK’s trade.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel