Scottish Parliament opposes beginning of process to withdraw from EU. (07/02/17)

The Scottish Parliament has today agreed that the UK Government’s European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill should not proceed.

Welcoming the vote, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell said the Parliament’s view should now be listened to.

Speaking following the debate, Mr Russell said:

“Scotland’s national Parliament has today sent a clear message to the rest of the UK and Europe – we oppose a catastrophic hard Brexit that dumps Scotland outside of the single market against its wishes.

“The Prime Minister promised Scotland would be ‘fully engaged’ in agreeing a common UK approach to triggering Article 50. We have taken those promises at face value and developed constructive, detailed compromise proposals showing how we can keep our place in the single market, which is around eight times bigger than the UK’s alone,

“Yet so far the UK Government has offered nothing – not a single compromise in return, or even a view on our proposals.

“We do not yet know when Article 50 will be triggered, and have not been given any information about how the UK Government will seek our involvement. The promise of a ‘UK Agreement’ on its content looks to be an empty one.

“Today’s vote is therefore a key test of whether Scotland’s voice is being listened to and whether our wishes can be accommodated within the UK process.

“There is still time for the UK Government to recognise the existence and importance of devolution, the views of this Parliament and the clear, democratically expressed voice of the people of this country – but that time is running out.”

Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/article-50-bill

Scot Gov: Additional funding for Enterprise, policing and local government. (02/02/17)

An additional £220 million investment next year in police, Scottish Enterprise and local services has been confirmed today as part of the Scottish budget process.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay confirmed that an additional £25 million will be made available to Police Scotland through the Police Reform and Change fund to support delivery of a police service capable of meeting the changing demands of crime and society over the next 10 years.

In addition, a further £35 million of funding will be made available to Scottish Enterprise to support Scotland’s economy.

Following discussions with other parties, the Finance Secretary also confirmed, as part of an agreement with the Scottish Green party to support the passage of the budget bill, Scotland’s local authorities would benefit from an additional £160 million investment – including £30 million capital – to support local services.

Amendments to the budget will be made later in the process and the additional funding for local government will be included in the local government finance order.

Confirming the changes during the Stage 1 of the budget debate, Mr Mackay said:

“At a time of significant challenge in our economy, this is a budget that will support jobs and lay the foundations for future growth.

“The Budget provides a strong settlement for local government, including additional funding for Educational Attainment, increased capital resources and increased revenues from council tax.

“It provides real terms protection for frontline policing, a real terms increase in total funding to the Health Service and increases to frontline NHS budgets for investment in primary care, community care, social care and mental health.

“I have entered into discussions with all parties in good faith in order to build the consensus we need to deliver a budget for Scotland. I particularly welcome the constructive approach taken by the Scottish Greens.

“My latest assessment of the financial position this year and our projections for 2017/18 has enabled me to identify available resources to support additional spending. This additional spending will be funded through the use of the budget exchange mechanism, updated profile of the Scottish Government contribution required to bring the non-domestic rates pool into balance and a reduction in the anticipated cost of borrowing repayments next year.

“I therefore propose, with the support of the Scottish Green party for all stages of this budget to allocate additional resources, of £160 million, to Local Government to be spent at the discretion of individual authorities.

“Once again this Government has listened and acted.”

Mr Mackay continued:

“The Draft Budget already protects the police resource budget in real terms and provides additional reform funding of £36 million to continue the process of transforming the police service and meeting the VAT costs imposed by UK Ministers.

“Today, I can announce further funding of £25 million, an equal split of revenue and capital, within the ‘Police Reform and Change’ budget to support this new phase of transformation, funded through a combination of capital and resource headroom that will be available in 2017-18. This will support the delivery of a police service capable of meeting the changing demands of crime and society over the next 10 years.

“I am also able to announce today an additional £35 million for Scottish Enterprise. This will support the activities including loans and equity investments that flow from the Scottish Investment Bank and the planned future activities of the Business Development Bank.

“By any measure, this Budget delivers for Scotland.”

Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/budget

Scot Gov: Ministers examine impact on workforce and clinical research (01/02/17)

Leaving the EU will present a significant challenge for planning Scotland’s NHS and social care workforce, as well as its potential to be at the forefront of clinical research excellence, Scottish Ministers have said today.

Meeting EU and EEA health and social care staff in Glasgow this morning, Health Secretary Shona Robison and Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell said the free movement of labour across Europe had made a huge contribution to NHS Scotland’s reputation for world-leading care.

Hearing from health and social care workers from other EU countries, Ms Robison and Mr Russell said the rights of EU and EEA staff working in this country must be protected as a priority.

They also visited the University of Glasgow’s new Imaging Centre of Excellence, based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which will house the UK’s first ultra-high field 7 Tesla (7T) MRI scanner, located in a clinical setting.

Opening in Spring 2017, the new scanner was part-funded with £2.3 million of European Regional Development Funding and will be the centrepiece of the ICE building – providing new world-leading clinical research facilities and bringing together academic, scientific and NHS clinical expertise.

Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell, said: “Over 360,000 people across Scotland work in health and social care services – working day-in and day-out to support people to live longer, healthier lives.

“The contribution of EU and EEA nationals to these services cannot be overestimated. Doctors, nurses and care workers from across Europe help to staff our GP surgeries, our hospitals and our care homes. We must as a priority protect their right to live and work in this country, as well as our ability to attract their successors in years to come.

“As we have also seen today, EU research funding has helped to attract some of the best and brightest from the continent – meaning our patients get access to some of the world’s most pioneering treatments.

“This together means that over the years of our membership, the European Union has played a vital role in NHS Scotland’s reputation for delivering world-leading care and in our negotiations for exiting we will seek to protect this.”

The Scottish Government also launched a consultation today, seeking views from health and social care organisations, frontline staff and stakeholder groups, on a new national workforce plan.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “The uncertainty surrounding the UK’s withdrawal from the EU presents us with many challenges for planning the future NHS and social care workforce. It adds to what is already a complex picture as our health and social care services transform to meet the needs of an increasingly elderly population with more complex, long-term conditions.

“The consultation I am publishing today on the new national health and social care workforce plan aims to set out some initial thinking around how we can improve staff planning for the future. But we want to take this forward very much in partnership with our staff and the vast range of organisations that employ them.

“That is why I would encourage all organisations and stakeholders with a stake in the future of our health and care workforce to respond to the consultation and give us their views.”

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow, said: “ICE and the 7 Tesla scanner are both very important for the city of Glasgow, the NHS, Scotland and the UK. The scanner – an important ‘first’ for Scotland – wouldn’t have been possible without £2.3m of European Union funding.

“Beyond the benefits of EU funding, the ability to form collaborations and networks across Europe will be a key part to the long-term success of this project. Also key, will be bringing skilled staff from the EU to work on such advanced technology.”

Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/eu-vital-to-nhs-and-social-care-services

Scot Govt: Cabinet Secretary asks European Parliament to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard during Article 50 process (30/01/17)

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop has urged the European Parliament to stand up for its citizens and challenge whether Brexit negotiations respect the rights of citizens in all parts of the UK.

Ms Hyslop made the call as she put forward the case for Scotland remaining within the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, to the European Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Committee.

Ms Hyslop told the Committee:

“While the UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union, the people of Scotland voted categorically to remain within it.

“We believe that finding a way to continue Scotland’s membership of the European single market, including the four freedoms, is central to the health of our economy and our prosperity as a nation.

“I accept that Article 50 negotiations will be between the UK and the EU and that’s why we are committed to working positively and creatively with the UK Government.

“We know the UK Government will need to be flexible when dealing with the border and free movement issues posed by Northern Ireland, and it looks like it will seek a differentiated approach for particular sectors. So I see no good reason why flexibility shouldn’t also apply to Scotland when there is a very clear democratic mandate to protect the interests of the people of Scotland within the EU, and within the UK.

“And we also believe that the European Parliament – which represents the voice of EU citizens – has the right to challenge whether the Article 50 negotiations respect the rights of citizens in all parts of the UK.

“It is therefore essential that differentiation is a key part of the Article 50 process – at the outset, during the negotiations and as the future relationship with the EU develops.

“The bonds of friendship between Scotland and other countries in Europe are as deep, strong and mutually beneficial today as at any time in our shared history.

“As a nation which voted overwhelmingly to remain within the European Union we seek your solidarity and support.”

Scot Govt: UK must be prepared to compromise

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will call on the Prime Minister to set out how the UK Government intends to reach UK wide agreement on the aims of the article 50 negotiations, when she attends the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in Cardiff (Monday).

The meeting will include discussions on Scotland’s Place in Europe, the Scottish Government’s proposals for maintaining access to the single market.

Also tomorrow, Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Fiona Hyslop will continue our efforts to ensure Scotland’s position is heard in Europe, becoming the first government Minister from any part of the UK to speak at the European Parliament since the EU referendum last June.

Ms Hyslop will appear before the Constitutional Affairs Committee to set out the Scottish Government’s work to explore distinct solutions to protect Scotland’s interests, remain in the single market and maintain its relationship with Europe.

The First Minister said: “It is becoming clearer with every day that passes that the UK Government is determined to pursue a hard Brexit and I am determined to do all I can to protect Scotland’s from the devastating impact that would have.

“In Scotland’s Place in Europe we have set out a range of propositions to keep Scotland in the single market and these will be discussed at tomorrow’s meetings. I hope the discussion on this tomorrow will be meaningful, but the process has been deeply disappointing so far. The Prime Minister must start to demonstrate not only that the UK government is genuinely listening to the views of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but also that they are prepared to act on them in order to reach the UK position that she said she was committed to.

“The Scottish Government has offered significant compromises in our proposals for Scotland’s place in the EU but we have yet to see any movement from the UK Government.

“Time is running out for the Prime Minister to demonstrate that she is going to uphold the commitment she made to me shortly after taking office that Scotland will be fully involved in discussions to develop an agreed UK approach and listen to alternative proposals for Scotland.”

http://news.gov.scot/news/joint-ministerial-committee-on-brexit

Brexit impedes cultural and tourism opportunities. (25//01/17)

Membership of the EU Single Market and free movement of people is critical to the health of Scotland’s culture, tourism and creative sectors.

Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said Scotland’s ability to establish creative partnerships, access EU funding and attract EU nationals to work in our tourism industry would be curtailed.

Retaining the ability of EU nationals to come to Scotland to work is also essential. 21% of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s musicians and staff, for example, are from the EU and more than 20,000 staff from other EU countries are employed in Scotland’s tourism industry.

The high proportion of staff from overseas, including the EU, is an important component in the international reputation of the Edinburgh festivals. The cultural skills and international networks that these staff bring are vital to sustaining the festivals world class programmes.

Ms Hyslop and Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell met with industry leaders in Edinburgh to discuss the impact of leaving the EU. She said:

“Our ties with Europe are historic, and we need to protect them if we are to continue to reap the benefits – both from an economic perspective, but moreover to protect our commitment to human cultural and intellectual collaboration.

“We have published our proposals to secure Scotland’s interests and to protect our relationship with the EU. Despite her strong signals that the UK is moving towards a hard Brexit the Prime Minister has committed to give our proposals serious consideration and we are determined to hold her to account.

“Freedom of movement within the EU allows our culture, creative industries and tourism sectors to recruit the best talent from across the EU, strengthening each sector’s contribution to Scotland’s economy and enriching our culture. I have heard the concerns of our industries first hand today, and I am determined to ensure their future prosperity is protected.”

Scottish Tourism Alliance Chief Executive Marc Crothall said:

“With the picture of post-Brexit Britain and the implications for our tourism business becoming clearer, it is important that we have regular dialogue and a place round the table with the Scottish Government and our public agencies to discuss the main issues and concerns which our tourism businesses are facing.

“Our priority will be to try to mitigate the negative effects of Brexit for our industry and influence supportive change at policy level to allow our tourism businesses to face the future confidently.”

Membership of new Trade Board confirmed

Date: 25/01/17

Scotland’s international exports rose from £27.7 billion in 2014 to £28.7 billion in 2015.

The USA continues to be Scotland’s top trading partner outside of the EU. Within the EU, the Netherlands was again the largest market.

The latest statistics show that exports to countries within the European Union were estimated as £12.3 billion, an increase of £520 million on the previous year driven by an increase in the export of petroleum and chemical products.

Exports to the rest of the UK in 2015 were estimated at £49.8 billion, an increase of £2.1 billion, driven by a rise in the export of utilities such as electricity, gas and water.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said:

“It is hugely encouraging to see that Scotland’s total international exports, excluding oil and gas, increased by £1 billion in a year.

“It is clear that since the vote to leave the European Union, we must continue to be seen to be a country that is outward facing and open for business. The EU market is 8 times the size of UK market, which highlights the importance of remaining in the Single Market.

“I want to be clear that Scotland should not face a choice between exporting to the EU or UK. We can do both.

“We are working on an ambitious programme of internationalisation, including measures to broaden Scotland’s export base and to grow exports beyond our traditional markets, which is why I am pleased to confirm membership of our new Trade Board, who will take forward this important work alongside our new hubs in Dublin, Brussels, London and Berlin and our planned network of trade envoys.”

The Trade and Investment Strategy included a commitment to create a Trade Board, chaired by Keith Brown, to boost the number of exporters, to help join up services and support and increase the number of exports to new markets.

The membership of the Board is deliberately business focused and brings together a range of people with significant expertise and relevant experience in exporting activity from a variety of perspectives who will perform an advisory function to the Scottish Government.

The statistics can be accessed here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/Exports/ESSPublication

Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/international-exports-rise-by-gbp-1-billion