John Swinney emphasizes the need for Scotland to rejoin the EU, warning of economic consequences if the UK doesn’t cooperate with Brussels.
In a recent speech, Swinney laid out his vision for boosting the Scottish economy. He mentioned the need for a special visa system to help international students stay in Scotland after they graduate. He feels that Brexit is still causing a lot of harm to the economy.
Swinney pointed out that Scotland is a European nation and our future lies with the EU. He talked about the huge market of 450 million people that Scotland could benefit from. He stressed that access to the European single market is crucial, especially with the global trading environment becoming tougher.
He also acknowledged that rejoining the EU won’t happen overnight. It will take a lot of effort and commitment. But he made it clear that if Scotland doesn’t pursue this path, the country will pay a heavy price. He highlighted the challenges of a declining population and the negative impact of Brexit on migration.
Critics, like Labour’s Neil Bibby, argue that the SNP can’t keep blaming Brexit for its own economic struggles. They believe it’s time to focus on practical solutions instead of constitutional debates. The Scottish Trades Union Congress also pointed out that Brexit has worsened the skills shortage in key sectors like healthcare and construction.
Overall, Swinney’s message is clear: Scotland needs to attract more workers and improve conditions for everyone. He believes that a strong labor market is essential for the country’s future, whether within the EU or not.