First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has appealed to new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "change course" on Brexit to protect Scotland's people and economy.
In a letter to Mr Johnson, Ms Sturgeon wrote: "Congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister.
"I will be shortly writing to you, along with the First Minister of Wales, to set out jointly our position on a range of urgent matters that require consideration by a meeting of the Heads of Government. Such a meeting should be convened as soon as possible.
"However, I am writing to you today to draw your attention to work carried out by the Scottish Government which details the likely specific impact of Brexit on Scotland. Given the gravity of the potential damage to jobs and livelihoods, this material should be at the top of your in-tray.
"You will be aware that people in Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union. Subsequent Scottish Government analysis shows that a no-deal outcome could cost 100,000 Scottish jobs. Even a free trade agreement could see a fall in Scottish national income of around £1,600 per person compared with continuing EU membership. I urge you to study this analysis closely so that you understand the implications for Scotland of the policy you are pursuing on Brexit and why it is therefore imperative that you change course immediately to avoid causing lasting harm to the people of Scotland.
"However, given your public comments about leaving the EU on October 31 with or without a deal, 'come what may' and 'do or die', it is now - more than ever - essential that in Scotland we have an alternative option.
"In line with the democratic mandate given to us in 2016, the Scottish Government will continue to make preparations to give people in Scotland the choice of becoming an independent country.
"The right of the people of Scotland to determine their own future is a basic democratic principle that must be respected.
"Similarly any decision of the Scottish Parliament on whether to give people that choice must be respected. The Parliament will consider the necessary framework legislation for a referendum after the summer recess, and I look forward to taking this matter forward with you once MSPs have had the opportunity to debate the issue further."
(MH/JG)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
26/11/2024
Scottish Water has unveiled its largest-ever procurement initiative, aiming to modernise the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure while safeguarding the environment. The program, named Delivery Vehicle 4, is valued between £5 billion and £9 billion and is set to run from 2027 to 2033, with ...
26/11/2024
The City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the refurbishment of Calton Square, an office building currently occupied by Baillie Gifford until the end of December 2025. Promoted by Ardstone Capital on behalf of Manova Partners, the project aims to ...
26/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, praised the progress being made on the construction of the new Perth High School during a visit on Friday, 22 November. He was joined by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, alongside senior Perth and Kinross Councillors, ...
26/11/2024
A state-of-the-art playpark has officially opened at King George V Park in Bearsden, following the completion of a £100,000 refurbishment. Funded by a combination of East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Capital Funding and the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Parks initiative, the ...
26/11/2024
Fife Council has launched a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute ideas and propose sites for inclusion in the next Local Development Plan, known as Fife's Place Plan. The council is calling on community councils, landowners, and developers to share ...
26/11/2024
The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025. Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government. Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of ...
25/11/2024
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and Connect Modular have jointly submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council for the development of 33 affordable homes in Cowlairs. This project aligns with the wider Cowlairs Park regeneration scheme and the city's ambitious housing ...
25/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has successfully completed a £6m Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services package for the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The state-of-the-art resort, which opened its doors earlier this month, features a range of amenities, including a wave pool, luxury lodges, and ...
25/11/2024
Scottish Water has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking hydro energy generation scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian. This innovative project, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will harness the power of water to offset a significant portion of the ...
25/11/2024
Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements. Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from ...