Category: Scottish Politics

EU funding in limbo: what the Tories aren’t telling you By David Livey The UK government has announced limited measures to plug the gap in EU funding left in the wake of Brexit. The Brexit campaign’s claims about the £350 million the UK would claw back from the EU each week to spend on the NHS have been exposed for the lies they were – with the Treasury announcement falling short of the required amount to protect even existing funding. No comprehensive, long-term guarantee has been provided to Scotland’s farmers,…

Derek Mackay calls for real certainty from Treasury. Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has urged the UK Government to guarantee crucial EU funding streams to end uncertainty and help bring stability to the economy. Mr Mackay said the failure to provide comprehensive, long-term guarantees left farmers, fishermen and communities across Scotland facing significant threats to critical investment and jobs. Mr Mackay has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, acknowledging the partial commitments from the UK Government announced late last night. These commitments, however, do not go…

Our action to protect Scotland’s economy post-Brexit By Liam Furby Nicola Sturgeon has today announced a package of measures to stimulate Scotland’s economy following the result of the EU referendum. Action includes bringing forward government spending on infrastructure and providing fresh support for businesses. Here’s what you need to know. An additional £100 million of capital spending will be brought forward this year. This will be in addition to planned capital spending for 2015-16 and will include spending in health and other key infrastructure sectors. Details of funding for future…

First Minister challenges UK Government to prove the worth of the Union First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called on the UK Government to prove the importance they place on Scotland’s role in the United Kingdom as they progress EU exit negotiations. In a major speech to members of the Institute for Public Policy Research in Edinburgh earlier today, Nicola Sturgeon said the UK’s negotiating position must allow those parts of the UK that voted to leave the EU the option of doing so, while those parts which voted to stay…

First Minister speech on protecting Scotland’s interests. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will give a major speech in Edinburgh tomorrow, one month on from the EU Referendum. As well as reflecting on the campaign and the lessons of the result, she is expected to outline the key Scottish interests that are at stake and why they matter. She will also talk about the way forward in negotiations to ensure Scotland’s relationship with and interests in the EU are protected, following the overwhelming vote, by a 24-point margin, from people across Scotland…

PM “willing to consider options” on EU. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has held constructive talks with the Prime Minister Theresa May at Bute House. The First Minister welcomed the Prime Minister to Edinburgh on what was her first official visit since coming into office. Following the meeting, the First Minister said: “It was a constructive and very good discussion. “The Prime Minister and I have big political disagreements but we are both women who approach business in a similar way, so I think we can have a good working relationship…

Scottish Government to issue open letter to EU nationals and work with businesses. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will send a message of reassurance to EU nationals living in Scotland that they are welcome here. The First Minister today met consuls and diplomats from EU countries and will distribute an open letter to EU citizens that reiterates and values the contribution EU migrants make to Scotland’s economy, society and culture. The First Minister also met business organisations and committed to work jointly, in Scotland and in Brussels, to ensure EU trading…

FM praises the “open doors” of leaders across Europe. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has held a series of positive meetings with senior figures in Brussels today. During a full day of engagements, she met the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, as well as the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, and the leaders of a number of the political groups in the European Parliament. The First Minister set out Scotland’s position following the result of the referendum last week and discussed the need to ensure Scotland’s voice…