5 ways Brexit could affect you

In the EU referendum every local authority area in Scotland voted to Remain in the EU. However, Scotland now faces the prospect of being dragged to the EU exit door.

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The UK Government is still unable to justify taking Scotland out of the EU against its will, or answer key questions on what Brexit will mean.

It is clear, however, that Brexit will have serious consequences for our communities, businesses and public services.

Here’s how Brexit could affect you.

1. More expensive holidays to Europe

It remains unclear whether the UK Government will work to ensure we can continue to travel visa-free across Europe. In fact, the Home Secretary has refused to rule out people from the UK having to pay a ‘Holiday Tax’ for visiting Europe. It has been reported that this could cost the average family £50.

And if we fall ill when on holiday, it is unclear whether we will continue to have the right to necessary healthcare in other EU countries.

Read more about why it’s important that we maintain freedom of movement in Europe here.

2.  Higher prices in shops.

A Brexit deal which saw the UK outside the EU with no trade deal would see tariffs imposed on imports into the UK, pushing up prices in shops. The British Retail Consortium, the organisation that represents UK shops, has warned that such a hard Brexit could lead to higher prices on food and clothes.

Read more about the different approaches the UK government could take and how they would affect Scotland here.

3. Less money available for public services.

Scottish Government analysis has found that Brexit could reduce Scottish tax revenues by between £1.7 billion and £3.7 billion a year by 2030. That means less money available to the government for public services like hospitals, schools and support for our economy.

4.  No certainty on what will replace EU funding that supports our economy, creates jobs and tackles inequality after the UK leaves the EU.

The UK Government has given no comprehensive, long-term guarantee to the businesses and communities that rely on EU funding. This uncertainty puts at risk investment and jobs and will have a particular impact on farmers, fishermen and communities across Scotland who heavily rely on this investment.

5.     More barriers to trade, putting at risk around 80,000 jobs in Scotland. 

Theresa May has refused to say whether or not she wants to the UK in the single market. 

Membership of the single market makes it easier for businesses in Scotland to sell goods and services to a market of 500 million people. The NIESR has estimated that, across the UK, coming out of the single market could lead to a 60 per cent fall in service sector exports and a 35-44 per cent fall in the export of goods.

The Fraser of Allander Institute has estimated that if the UK were to leave the EU Single Market (the ‘WTO model’) some 80,000 jobs in Scotland could be lost.

Read more about the importance of the single market to Scotland’s economy here.