How does Brexit look 5 years on from & for Scotland?
Scotland didn’t vote for Brexit – 62% voted remain.
Scottish Government and public views were essentially ignored by UK government under both May and Johnson.
1/9
Scotland didn’t vote for Brexit – 62% voted remain.
Scottish Government and public views were essentially ignored by UK government under both May and Johnson.
1/9
Scottish economy damaged by Brexit across a range of sectors from fisheries to tourism to culture especially since Trade and Cooperation Agreement implemented start 2021. Loss of EU free movement v damaging to Scottish economy & society.
2/9
2/9
In 2018, Scotland exported 53% of its exports to European destinations (EU+Norway, Switzerland & Turkey). Over 60% of Scotland’s exports to EU were in manufacturing goods. Exports now facing substantial costs and non-tariff barriers.
3/9
3/9
Scotland’s security & European relationships incl. its para-diplomacy negatively affected by damage UK govt inflicted on UK’s reputation & on relations with European allies incl on foreign policy & domestic security cooperation. 'Global Britain' is an English ideology
4/9
4/9
Scottish government proposals including staying in EU single market, devolving more migration powers to Scotland & staying in Erasmus programme all simply rejected with little or no discussion by UK government.
5/9
5/9
Devolution seriously weakened by the process & practice of Brexit – lack of genuine consultation, limited information provision, refusal of any differentiation for Scotland. Power grab of Internal Market Act.
6/9
6/9
Repeated refusal of UK govt to allow 2nd independence referendum despite Brexit & repeated Scottish National party success in Westminster and Holyrood elections. Support for independence now roughly 50:50. Shift from some remain/no voters to backing yes over last 5 years.
7/9
7/9
Independence is now a choice between two (different) unions in a way it wasn’t in 2014. Lot of sympathy in EU for Scotland but neutrality from member states on indy. Path back to EU relatively straightforward but indy given Brexit means harder Scotland-rUK border
8/9
8/9
In essence, in handling Brexit, UK govt has acted in response to splits & power balance within the Tory party & with an eye to its voters while promoting an illusory ideology. Brexit has damaged Scotland in a range of ways, deepened UK’s fragmentation & undermined devolution.
9/9
9/9
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
