The MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden added: Businesses in East Dunbartonshire are focused on securing their future they simply dont have the capacity to prepare for Brexit on top of a pandemic.<\/p>\n
The transition arrangements currently keep the UK close to the EU and can be extended for two years beyond 31 December - if the UK Government asks for an extension by the end of this month.<\/p>\n
But a new study from the Scottish Government says if an extension is not agreed, Scottish GDP could be up to 1.1% lower after two years. The cumulative loss of economic activity from leaving the EU would be up to 3 billion over those two years on top of the devastating effects of the Coronavirus outbreak.<\/p>\n
The paper indicates there will be further major costs from Brexit for years to come, and also highlights that without an extension or having a free trade deal in place, Scotlands agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing sectors will be especially badly hit.<\/p>\n
Ms Mackay said: Coronavirus is causing enormous economic disruption and people expect the government to be focused on protecting public health and the economy. <\/p>\n
It would be extraordinarily reckless for the UK government to allow us to crash out of the transition period at the end of this year.<\/p>\n
The SNP position is unchanged and holds that the best future for Scotland is as an independent member of the EU. <\/p>\n
But regardless of your opinion on Brexit or independence, it makes no sense to crash out of the European single market at precisely the moment we need stability. <\/p>\n
Businesses in East Dunbartonshire are focused on securing their future they simply dont have the capacity to prepare for Brexit on top of a pandemic.<\/p>\n
The UK government must do the sensible thing - protect jobs in East Dunbartonshire and extend the transition period.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See more here: <\/p>\n
MSP: Firms in East Dunbartonshire cant prepare for Brexit on top of a pandemic - Kirkintilloch Herald<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden added: Businesses in East Dunbartonshire are focused on securing their future they simply dont have the capacity to prepare for Brexit on top of a pandemic. The transition arrangements currently keep the UK close to the EU and can be extended for two years beyond 31 December - if the UK Government asks for an extension by the end of this month Continue reading