(North East Fife)
(SNP):...What have the UK Government said in response to
the biggest employer in my constituency? Absolutely nothing. That
is an abrogation of their responsibility to people who own small
businesses, and who work in research, which makes our lives
better and improves our healthcare. The same goes for other
industries. The Secretary of State mentioned the food and drink
sector and talked about having a no-deal Brexit if the agreement
was rejected. Extraordinarily, some of his colleagues have
actively said that they would like a no-deal Brexit, but
the National Farmers Union of Scotland has
said:
“It would be nothing short of catastrophic and could have a
devastating impact”.
On access to markets and much-needed labour, it said:
“It is becoming clear to NFU Scotland that there is misleading
and damaging rhetoric coming from the UK Government…on where the
gaps in skills and labour are.”
I hope that the Secretary of State will not mind me saying—I am
sure that others will not—that the NFU is not renowned for coming
out with strong words. It does so sparingly, not often, so I
certainly hope that he will heed those words...
(Stirling) (Con):
The hon. Gentleman has mentioned a number of sectors; it is only
right to put on the record that NFU Scotland, the Scotch Whisky
Association and every other trade body in Scotland is imploring
this House to support the Prime Minister’s agreement with the
European Union. That is what our constituents and the businesses
that employ them expect of all Scottish MPs.
: It is good to
hear the hon. Gentleman’s point, which he makes well and
honestly, but it is extraordinary, and a shame, that many of his
colleagues—some of whom are in the Chamber—were not listening to
him. If he cannot even win over his colleagues, what hope does he
have of winning over everybody else? There is almost nobody on
his entire half of the Government Benches—extraordinary stuff—but
I have the greatest respect for the courage and indefatigability
he demonstrates...
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