John Swinney has been urged to support the expansion of Heathrow Airport by one of his own MSPs.
Fergus Ewing said bringing a third runway to the London airport “is the future gateway for Scottish Highlands and islands exports to the willing world”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said yesterday that Scottish salmon and whisky would benefit when she confirmed UK Government support for the expansion.
Scottish salmon is Heathrow’s biggest export product. But the SNP Government has so far refused to say whether it supports or opposes the third runway.
Ewing said during FMQs on Thursday: “Given the vital importance to the Highlands and Islands of access to be able to export our fine malt whiskies, our high quality salmon and shellfish, and many other products, will the Scottish Government provide its full-throated and unequivocal support for the third runway at Heathrow, which is the future gateway for Scottish Highlands and islands exports to the willing world?”
First Minister Swinney replied: “The decision to allow expansion at Heathrow lies exclusively with the United Kingdom Government. The Scottish Government will engage closely with the UK Government and Heathrow Airport to understand any potential impact of the Heathrow expansion on Scotland, particularly on our climate targets and on connectivity.”
Ewing could be seen shaking his head. Swinney continued: “I share Mr Ewing’s aspiration that Scottish goods should be able to get to market as quick as possible.
“But I’m reminded that when I was in Shetland a few months ago, the fish sector was explaining to me just the obstacles that are in their way to get their product to market because of the stupid procedures involved in Brexit which are deeply damaging to our economy.
“So if we want to get Scottish produce from the Shetland Islands and from other communities in Scotland more quickly to European markets, then getting agreements in place with the EU that would allow freer trade to be undertaken would be the immediate priority of my government.
“What I can say to people in Scotland is that they have to understand the colossal damage that was done to our country’s economy by Brexit, inflicted on us by a bad deal by the Conservatives. I hope the Labour Government will do something to rectify that because it’s undermining the Scottish economy.”
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