Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has commented on the recent HMRC figures which show the damaging impacts that Brexit has cost industries in West Lothian as exports have plummeted since the UK left the EU.
Figures from HMRC show that exports have dropped 13% in the past two years from £16.7bn to £14.5bn. The £2.2bn loss is equivalent to £74.5 million in West Lothian alone.
Fiona commented,
“These figures show the blatant damage that the UK Government’s hard Brexit has caused our local areas and industries across Scotland are suffering as a result.
“With Brexit causing a direct loss in exports, this has cost industries in West Lothian £74.5m. This is unacceptable during already difficult financial times.
“With Labour and the Tories offering no way back to the European Union, it is clear that independence is the only way out of this damaging Westminster control.”
ENDS
NOTES
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23091755.scots-exports-slump-13-per-cent-since-brexit/
Area Population Lost Export Value
Scotland 5,479,900 £2.2 billion
West Lothian 185,580 £74.5 million