Scotland to be 'worst hit' by Brexit disruption

Scotland is at most risk of disruption to food and medical supplies if ferry ports are hit by "pressure and problems" as a result of a no-deal Brexit, MSPs have been warned.

Constitution Secretary Mike Russell warned of “imminent damage” to Scotland’s economy whatever the outcome of crunch Brexit talks - with no future trading deal yet agreed just six weeks out from the UK's scheduled departure from the EU transition period.

There are growing concerns that lorry containers coming into the UK across English channel routes - the so-called short straights - will face lengthy delays if tariffs are imposed in a no-deal scenario. Even if a deal is struck, extra checks will be required to establish details like "point of origin”.

A truck carrying fish leaves the fish auction in Ostend, Belgium. As the Brexit agreement deadline approaches in 45 days, discussions between British and European counterparts on the future trade relations are at a standstill. Picture: Jean-Christophe Guillaume/Getty Images

Mr Russell told Holyrood's Europe committee on Thursday that any delays could hit Scotland hard.

"There would be direct pressures from imports that come direct to Scotland through container ports and particularly through Grangemouth,” he said.

"Then there is a much larger issue of materials within different supply chains, in food supply chains, medicine supply chains, which come in largely presently through the short straights and then those supply chains spread out across England and into Wales and into Scotland.

"The further you are up, so at the end of that supply chain, the more precarious position you are in.

Mike Russell warned of disruption

"So the importation of those goods is problematic and could be very problematic if there are problems and pressures in the short straights.

"We know, for example, in the lorry parks there is a preparation for those difficulties for delays and indeed the UK Government has warned that there will be some dislocation and increased prices."

Mr Russell said it was "extraordinary" the outcome of negotiations between the UK and EU remained unknown, ahead of the country's departure from EU rules and regulations under the current transition period on December 31.

"Whatever the outcome is, whatever takes place, it will not be a good news deal for Scotland," he said.

"We are faced with considerable and imminent damage, which will disrupt Scotland's economy and society.

"It will be an immeasurably poorer substitute for what we have now in transition and what we had in membership."

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