AN SNP MP has launched a “one-stop shop” for information on Scottish independence in Europe on the third anniversary of Brexit.
Alyn Smith, the SNP’s spokesperson for Europe and EU accession in Westminster, said he set up the website to highlight the economic decline of the UK following its exit from the bloc.
According to the OECD, the UK’s economy declined by -0.3% in the third quarter of 2022, compared to the Eurozone which grew by 0.3%. France (+0.2%) and Germany (0.4%) also saw their economy’s grow while the UK is headed into a recession.
For 2023, the OECD is forecasting a further decline of the UK economy by -0.4%, with the Eurozone growing by a projected 0.5%.
Smith launched www.scotlandineurope.eu on Tuesday this week, with the introduction to the website stating: “This site is not about Brexit; that is an old battle, this site is about the future.”
The site contains numerous sections for visitors to scroll through including the background to Brexit, Scotland’s role in the EU, how the EU works and what benefits it has, as well as a frequently asked questions section, where you can lodge your own query with the former MEP.
Speaking to The National, Smith said: “I’ve launched scotlandineurope.eu because Scots have a real choice to make – independence in Europe putting rocket boosters on our recovery or sticking with the UK, the sick man of Europe.
“Nations across the world are experiencing a slowing in economic growth because of the pandemic and war in Ukraine but only the UK inflicted Brexit on itself as well.
“OECD figures show that, compared to three years ago, the UK economy has declined by -0.8%, which is immediately hitting our public finances and ability to maintain key public services.
“Meanwhile, the Eurozone grew by 2.2%.”
Smith added that way Brexit was handled has “stifled” the ability of the UK to “weather the various storms” that have hit the country in the past three years.
He added: “For Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, this isn’t just economic vandalism from Westminster, but a democratic affront too.
“This is having a severe impact on every aspect of our lives; from how far the money in our bank goes, to the ability of national governments to properly fund lifeline services like our NHS.
“The Tories and Labour are completely aligned on this, so no change of government in London will forge a better future for Scotland. Both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer want to keep the UK out of the EU and the single market.
“As we contemplate this three-year anniversary, we should ask ourselves why no advocate of leaving the EU wants to talk in any real way about the benefits doing so has brought the UK - because there are none.
“For Scots, the choice is clear: we either sit tight and let Westminster governments drive us down their road with a slow puncture, or we choose independence, join our European neighbours, and put rocket boosters on our economy - improving livelihoods and public services.”
We previously told how Smith said his new spokesperson role on EU accession communicates clearly that Scotland is serious about rejoining the bloc.
And, earlier this week we told how Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said a vote for Scottish independence would count as a vote to rejoin the EU.
