John Swinney argues that rejoining the EU is crucial for Scotland’s future, emphasizing the need for a new direction amid economic challenges.
He’ll point out that the push to stay in the EU is now behind us, especially after the 2016 referendum. The Scottish National Party has been vocal about wanting to return to the EU as part of their independence agenda.
Swinney plans to highlight the economic troubles the UK is facing, like rising borrowing costs and market instability. He’ll stress that it’s time for Scotland to think big and tackle these challenges head-on.
He’ll also mention that Scotland’s aging population is a significant issue. To address this, he’ll argue for a migration system that helps fill job gaps and supports public services.
Swinney will say that the decision to leave the EU has had a huge impact on migration in Scotland. He believes the current political climate in Westminster is making things worse for businesses and the NHS.
He’ll emphasize that Scotland needs an immigration system that recognizes its unique needs compared to the rest of the UK. Ultimately, he sees Scotland as a European nation and believes rejoining the EU should be a top priority.
Swinney wants to focus on the future instead of rehashing the Brexit debate. He acknowledges that Brexit has happened, but he’s eager to look ahead and find a new path for Scotland.
He’ll wrap up by saying that while the UK’s economic outlook is grim, Scotland has the potential to thrive, especially with its energy resources. If managed well, this could lead to a significant economic shift for the country.
