REJOINING the European Union is Scotland’s “best hope for a more prosperous future,” John Swinney is expected to say in a speech in Glasgow.
On Wednesday, the First Minister will describe the 2016 Remain Campaign as “the past”.
Successive SNP governments have staunchly opposed leaving the EU, with the party making Scotland’s return to the bloc a major campaign point in its drive for independence.
Swinney is expected to say it’s time for Scotland to “think big,” taking aim at economic issues facing the UK from increased borrowing costs and turbulence in the financial markets.
In his speech he will say that the biggest challenge facing Scotland is its ageing population, stressing the need for a migration system which fills gaps in the labour market and support public services.
“In recent years, nothing has impacted migration in Scotland more than the disastrous decision to leave the EU,” he is expected to say.
“And the current dominant political narrative at Westminster is only making matters worse, impacting business, stifling growth and making it more difficult for our NHS to recruit staff.
“If we are to make the most of Scotland’s economic opportunities, we need an immigration system that understands that Scotland is different from the UK as a whole.
“But ultimately, Scotland is a European nation, and I believe that our future lies within the European Union and that rejoining the EU should be our clearly stated goal and national mission.”
The First Minister is keen not to retread old ground in regard to the Brexit debate, and will stress that, “for all its folly, [Brexit] has happened. Instead, my wish is that we turn our eyes to the ground that lies ahead and determine to choose a new path, and a different course.
“Simply put, remain was the past, rejoin is Scotland’s best hope for a more prosperous future.”
Swinney will then criticise the UK Government’s economic position: “We urgently need a new direction from the UK Government. If we are to ensure that Scotland’s economy performs to its full potential, I believe it is time for Scotland to think big, so we can act bold.”
He will add: “Our energy potential is one of our greatest opportunities. If our energy wealth results in a supply chain in Scotland in manufacturing, research and development, and results in lower energy prices for households and businesses, an economic paradigm shift becomes possible.”
