Scotland's Economy

  • Providing certainty to citizens post-Brexit

    16th October 2020 by

    I have written to Kevin Foster, the UK Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, urging the UK Government to accept several amendments from the House of Lords to the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill. These would enable EEA and Swiss citizens to obtain physical proof of their right to live in the...

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  • Joint call for UK Government action on finances

    6th October 2020 by

    Today, my counterparts in Wales, in Northern Ireland and I are making statements to our respective legislatures to set out our collective expectations of the UK Government for enhanced Covid support, fiscal flexibilities, proper involvement of the devolved administrations in the UK Spending Reviews and a fair deal on EU funding. We are doing this...

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  • New consumer network

    29th September 2020 by

        A network to ensure that consumer protection is at the core of Scotland’s economic recovery has been established. Stakeholders from organisations including Advice Direct Scotland, Trading Standards, Citizens Advice Scotland and the Scottish Government will work together to generate improved services, greater value for money and better buying choices for shoppers. The Consumer...

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  • Further UK Government action required to support our green recovery

    7th September 2020 by

    Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Secretary Michael Matheson outlines a number of key areas where action is needed urgently, if we are to deliver a green recovery and our shared net-zero ambitions.

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  • R100 programme deployment of superfast broadband gets underway.

    18th August 2020 by

    Major infrastructure work is now underway to make rural Scotland one of the best digitally connected places in Europe. Work has begun in the South of Scotland to build full-fibre broadband infrastructure – funded through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme. This new infrastructure is expected to be delivered to the first premises by...

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  • Statement on US tariffs decision

    13th August 2020 by

    Responding to a decision by the US Government to maintain 25% tariffs on a range of Scottish products, including single malt whisky, cashmere, cheese and some wool items, Trade Minister Ivan McKee said: “Scottish businesses are being hit hard by these tariffs and jobs and livelihoods are now at risk. I urge UK Ministers to...

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  • Industry Leadership Group review

    28th July 2020 by

    Responding to publication of a review of Industry Leadership Groups, carried out by the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Industry Leadership Groups are a crucial way for the Scottish Government and our agencies to interact with businesses and make sure we are responding properly to their needs and concerns.  We...

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  • Statement following Finance Ministers’ quadrilateral

    24th July 2020 by

    Speaking after a virtual meeting this afternoon with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay, Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans and Northern Irish Finance Minister Conor Murphy, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We had a constructive conversation and the £800 million of additional new funding the UK Government announced yesterday is welcome and provides...

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  • The Chancellor’s statement largely bypasses devolution.

    13th July 2020 by

    The temporary localised restrictions in Leicester and Dumfries, and further afield in Melbourne and Catalonia, remind us of the continuing threat posed by coronavirus (COVID-19). They also highlight the importance of rapid, targeted action in dealing with the pandemic. Robust national and international structures are of course essential, but to eradicate the virus we also...

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  • COVID-19: Safe working guidance and restart plan for forestry industry

    30th May 2020 by

    Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing Easing out of lockdown will only be successful if we do so gradually and cautiously. The focus of the Scottish Government remains on tackling the virus, protecting public health and saving lives, but we are also acutely aware of the need to support vital sectors of the economy, such as...

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