Seòmar agus comataidhean

The most recent update on the estimated final cost of the refurbishment of the SFRS control room in Dundee was received in March 2016. This information is contained in Scottish Fire and Rescue Service board papers which can be found on the SFRS website at www.firescotland.gov.uk. This included the cost of providing a temporary control facility whilst the refurbishment works are undertaken.

Food and Drink Exports from Scotland were valued at £4.9 billion in 2015, with 40% going to the EU. We are working closely with stakeholders across the food and drink industry, including the industry leadership body, Scotland Food and Drink, to establish the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s trade within the EU and through wider free trade agreement.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-04327 on 15 November 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Scottish Government will table specific proposals in the coming weeks to protect Scotland’s interests and keep us in the Single Market, even if the rest of the UK decides to leave.

The Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations (JMC(EN)) is part of the formal inter-governmental machinery between the four Administrations of the United Kingdom. The Scottish Government represents Scotland’s interests in that forum.

The Scottish Government has committed, in our Written Agreement with the Scottish Parliament, to ensure members have opportunity to scrutinise formal inter-governmental engagement. I alerted the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee in advance of the JMC(EN), which took place on 9 November 2016.

Analysis published by the Scottish Government (“Potential Implications of the UK Leaving the EU on Scotland’s Long Run Economic Performance”) on 23 August 2016 summarises the impact that leaving the EU could have on the Scottish economy based on a range of recent studies covering different trading relationships that the UK could adopt. Evidence published by the European and External Relations Committee based on analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute confirms the risks Brexit poses to Scotland’s economy. The Fraser of Allander Institute analysis includes estimates of the impact on exports based on a number of potential trading relationships. The Scottish Government is therefore well aware of the potential impact of Brexit on exports from Scotland and we are pursuing all options to retain our relationship with Europe, access to the single market and all the advantages that brings.

Analysis published by the Scottish Government (“Potential Implications of the UK Leaving the EU on Scotland’s Long Run Economic Performance”) on 23 August 2016 summarises the impact that leaving the EU could have on the Scottish economy based on a range of recent studies covering different trading relationships that the UK could adopt.

The analysis shows that the potential cost to Scottish GDP of leaving the European Union could be up to £11.2 billion per year by 2030 than under a scenario where the UK remains a member. The analysis also indicates that leaving the EU could result in a reduction in Scottish tax revenues of up to £3.7 billion a year by 2030.

Evidence published by the European and External Relations Committee based on analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute confirms the risks Brexit poses to Scotland’s economy. The Fraser of Allander Institute forecast that leaving the EU could result in the number of people in employment being up to 80,000 lower after ten years.

The Scottish Government is pursuing all options to retain our relationship with Europe, access to the single market, and all the advantages that brings.

The Scottish Government greatly values the contribution that EU migrants bring to our economy and society. We also value the freedom of movement including the right to live, study and work in all EU countries and benefit from their healthcare and social security systems.

In relation to professional sport, while the impacts of Brexit are primarily for Sporting Governing Bodies and other sporting authorities to consider, we are committed to working with them on any issues that may arise. We maintain regular contact with sporting authorities on a number of issues.

Consideration of the impact on Scots law is a key element of the Scottish Government’s work on the options for Scotland’s future relationship with the EU and the rest of the UK following the EU referendum. The Scottish Government recognises that the potential impact is substantial. We will seek to use whatever influence we have to protect Scotland’s interests and shape the UK position.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-04327 on 15 November 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx