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.”
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.
