US TARIFF THREAT TO EAST LOTHIAN AND MIDLOTHIAN BUSINESSES

TORIES SHOULDN’T COSY UP TO TRUMP
 
Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP, Colin Beattie joined SNP colleagues in voting to condemn the recent imposition of US tariffs on a range of Scottish goods.
 
Colin said that these tariffs “disproportionately” affected Scottish produce and that smaller producers in East Lothian and Midlothian would be hit hardest.
 
The Scottish Government has warned that a No Deal Brexit could cause a significant economic shock which would tip the Scottish economy into recession, with the CBI estimating that it could cost Scotland £14 billion per year by 2034.
 
Colin said that the escalating trade war with the US showed any form of Brexit would be hugely detrimental to the Scottish economy. 
 
Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“The imposition of these tariffs by Donald Trump has caused a great deal of disruption and uncertainty for Midlothian and East Lothian businesses.  The likes of are nothing short of iconic.  Our local produce is the subject of international envy and admiration; it is pivotal to the prosperity of our local economy. 
 
“It beggars belief that the Tories want to cosy up with Trump for a post-Brexit trade deal when he has shown he can’t be trusted.
 
“We must escape Brexit so that Scotland is not dragged into a race-to-the-bottom trade deal between Trump and an increasingly desperate Tory administration – cut adrift from our strongest voice on the international stage.
 
“This is not the future I want for Scotland.  Only a vote for the SNP will put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.”