Falkirk MSP calls on UK Government to extend Brexit negotiations

The UK has formally left the European Union but is currently in a “transition period.” This means it is following EU rules and therefore has full access to the European market – which will be vital for the economy when the coronavirus crisis eases.

A two-year extension to this transition period is on offer but the Tory government at Westminster is instead pressing on with complex negotiations, at the height of the crisis, which will mean the UK leaving with either no trade deal in place or a very limited deal at the end of this year.

According to Mr MacDonald, if the UK government continues to pursue its Brexit plans, Scotland's economy faces further economic damage a loss of up to £12.7 billion – the equivalent of £2300 for every person in Scotland by 2030.

Mr MacDonald said: “For the government to pursue its plans to impose a hard Brexit on the country, while we are facing a global health emergency, is reckless in the extreme. Falkirk district voted to remain in the EU – just like every local authority in Scotland – and it's clear that businesses here simply do not have the capacity to prepare for Brexit when they are fighting to survive the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

"People and businesses across Falkirk district will be understandably concerned about this, so it's imperative that the UK government does the responsible thing and requests an extension to the transition period to avoid even more economic and social damage.

“There is still time for the UK government to change course, listen to the public, and ensure that every effort is put to tackling the Coronavirus pandemic."