MSP Rona Mackay has applauded news that Scotland’s economy is the fastest growing in the UK.
New figures show Scotland’s economy has grown 0.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2017.
This is four-times the UK growth rate for the same quarter, the Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP stressed.
In Scotland production grew by 3.1 per cent and services by 0.3 per cent.
Since 2007 Scotland’s economy has grown by more than seven per cent – the UK has grown 0.4 per cent.
The findings are detailed in the latest Scotland Gross Domestic Product report.
Ms Mackay said: “We are seeing an improving picture across Scotland – the economy is growing, the number of people in employment is rising and unemployment is at historic lows.
“Strathkelvin and Bearsden has lots to be confident about. The SNP Scottish Government’s £6 billion infrastructure plan, £500 million Scottish Growth Scheme and record investment in Modern Apprenticeships and education will continue to support the East Dunbartonshire economy.
“However Brexit, and being removed from the world’s largest single market, poses the biggest threat to this progress and Scotland’s economy. A blind crusade towards a hard Brexit cliff edge could cost our economy around £11 billion a year by 2030 and result in 80,000 fewer jobs, and the fall in Sterling since the referendum is already pushing up prices and squeezing household incomes. This, accompanied by relentless Tory austerity, means we cannot be complacent.
“The SNP has a plan to grow our economy and we will continue to work hard to support it through difficult times ahead – determined to remain an open, European nation inside the world’s largest single market.”
ENDS
Background information
GDP report http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/PubGDP/GDP2017Q1
Scotland’s economic growth – https://news.gov.scot/news/scottish-economy-grows-0-8
Scotland economy bouncing back – https://news.gov.scot/news/scotlands-economy-bounces-back
Scottish Growth Scheme – https://news.gov.scot/news/500m-new-support-for-businesses
Infrastructure spending – https://news.gov.scot/news/building-for-the-future
Apprenticeships – https://news.gov.scot/news/support-for-apprenticeships