Nicola Sturgeon: Time is running out to avert the looming disaster of a hard Brexit

NICOLA STURGEON is stepping up her drive for a soft withdrawal from the EU claiming time is running out to prevent the “economic disaster” of a hard Brexit.

The First Minister claims that with just nine months until a deal to leave the EU is meant to be struck, those pushing for a hard Brexit “have had their chance and failed”.

The SNP leader will tomorrow make a keynote speech where she will unveil new analysis of the impact on jobs and the economy of Scotland no longer being part of the European single market.

“Economists have previously warned Scotland could lose up to 80,000 jobs as a result of Brexit.

Miss Sturgeon said: “More than 18 months on from the Brexit vote, it beggars belief that the UK Government is not only still unable to say what kind of relationship it wants with the EU, but has also failed to produce any meaningful economic assessment of the different possibilities.

“Bluntly, the hard Brexiteers have had their chance and failed.

“They have completely failed to explain how their approach could even remotely come close to replacing the enormous lost trade and investment of leaving the single market.

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“There is now a golden opportunity for those moderate voices who are making the case for Scotland and the UK to remain in the single market.

“The Scottish Government is absolutely clear that, if the UK is indeed leaving the EU, then it must stay within the single market and customs union to prevent needless job losses and cuts in living standards.”

The Fraser of Allander Institute’s analysis of Brexit concluded that, in the best-case scenario, Scottish GDP would drop by 2% within 10 years, causing the loss of 30,000 jobs.

The most pessimistic model would see GDP 5% lower within a decade, with 80,000 fewer roles.

The SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and Greens have submitted an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill which would block the Government taking the UK out of the single market and customs union.

The amendment gives Labour MPs their first chance to support the move as the party hierarchy has so far refused to team up with opposition parties on the issue.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Conservatives yesterday urged the First Minister to back a UK-wide settlement.

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont said: “Whatever side you took on Brexit, a clear majority of Scots want to see UK-wide rules on trade and immigration.”