Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government is currently undertaking an extensive analysis to understand the potential implications of the UK exiting the EU, and the impact on Scotland. In all its work the Scottish Government is exploring ways to protect Scotland’s national interests. This work draws on evidence from a wide range of sources, including in-house analysis, stakeholder feedback, and advice from the Standing Council on Europe. Some of this analysis has been published in the reports I referred to in answer to question S5W-04193 on 15 November 2016. The First Minister has also announced that proposals for maintaining membership of the Single Market for Scotland, even if the rest of the UK leaves, will be published in the next few weeks.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I and other Scottish Ministers have given regular updates to the Scottish Parliament on the work the Scottish Government is undertaking in response to the result of the EU referendum.

The Scottish Government research published on 28 October 2016 contains a breakdown of Scotland's population by sector of employment. This includes a breakdown of recent EEA migrants and established EEA migrants. This research is cited in answer to question S5W-04192 on 16 November 2016.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Analysis published by the Scottish Government (“Potential Implications of the UK Leaving the EU on Scotland’s Long Run Economic Performance”) on 23 August 2016 summarises the impact that leaving the EU could have on the Scottish economy based on a range of recent studies covering different trading relationships that the UK could adopt.

The analysis shows that the potential cost to Scottish GDP of leaving the European Union could be up to £11.2 billion per year by 2030 than under a scenario where the UK remains a member. The analysis also indicates that leaving the EU could result in a reduction in Scottish tax revenues of up to £3.7 billion a year by 2030.

Evidence published by the European and External Relations Committee based on analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute confirms the risks Brexit poses to Scotland’s economy. The Fraser of Allander Institute forecast that leaving the EU could result in the number of people in employment being up to 80,000 lower after 10 years.

The Scottish Government is pursuing all options to retain our relationship with Europe, access to the single market, and all the advantages that brings.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-04456 on 16 November 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Minister for Transport and the Islands met with the CEO of Seatruck on 10 November 2016, to discuss the issues around staff pay on the freight vessels currently operating on the Northern Isles ferry service. Transport Scotland officials were in attendance. Following a constructive meeting, further work will be undertaken by Seatruck and Transport Scotland to try and resolve the current situation.

Transport Scotland officials have met three times with Seatruck officials on other occasions.

Non-domestic rates liabilities have not yet been finalised for 2017. The revaluation by independent Assessors will update the rateable value of non-domestic properties, in line with rental values. The Scottish Government will bring forward legislation for the 2017-18 rates poundage and any changes to reliefs in due course, having considered the revaluation effect across sectors.

On 28 September, along with Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe, I met with the Japanese Consul General and a range of Japanese businesses based in Scotland to discuss the impact of the EU Referendum.

The time charters for the MV Helliar and MV Hildasay are currently a commercial arrangement between Serco Northlink Ferries and Seatruck. The Minister for Transport and the Islands, has however met with the CEO of Seatruck on 10 November 2016, to discuss the issues around staff pay on the freight vessels. Following a constructive meeting, further work will be undertaken by Seatruck and Transport Scotland to try and resolve the current situation.

The manufacturing sector remains a vital part of the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government is well aware of its importance and the implications that Brexit will have on the sector, its associated industries and their supply chains. Our priority is to protect all of Scotland’s interests and we are considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland’s continuing relationship with the EU. The UK Government has yet to set out its preferred model to underpin the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Other member states are also yet to collectively set out the relationship that they would wish the EU to have with the UK in the future.