First Minister John Swinney speech on Scottish economy
First Minister John Swinney delivers a speech focused on the Scottish economy in central Glasgow on Wednesday, calling on the UK Government to be more flexible in its approach to immigration in Scotland and how this could help support economic growth.
In a major speech to leading representatives from business organisations and higher education institutions, the First Minister will set out how measures in the 2025-26 Budget will help to grow the Scottish economy and build a wealthier, fairer, greener Scotland. The First Minister will also reflect on the impact of Brexit ahead of the upcoming fifth anniversary.
First Minister John Swinney delivers a speech focused on the Scottish economy in central Glasgow on Wednesday, calling on the UK Government to be more flexible in its approach to immigration in Scotland and how this could help support economic growth.
In a major speech to leading representatives from business organisations and higher education institutions, the First Minister will set out how measures in the 2025-26 Budget will help to grow the Scottish economy and build a wealthier, fairer, greener Scotland. The First Minister will also reflect on the impact of Brexit ahead of the upcoming fifth anniversary.
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00:00The latest available figures show that international students generate ┬г4.75 billion for the Scottish economy.
00:09It would help us to grow our entrepreneurial sector and ensure Scotland continues to be an attractive destination for private investment.
00:19In small but important ways, it would make our economy more robust and our public services more sustainable.
00:27It would play a part in making our communities more prosperous.
00:32Today, once again, I ask all of you here to play your part in helping us to make this happen.
00:40Scotland is united. When we coalesce around sensible, reasonable proposals, progress happens in a way that is not possible when we are all pulling in different directions.
00:54That is how our Parliament was set up to operate. Consensus, not as a lowest common denominator, a least worst option, but as a mobilisation of the mainstream.
01:08If we want an immigration policy that meets Scotland's needs, then let's come together to make that case.
01:16My final reflection today is on what I believe is one of the most fundamental choices Scotland faces over these coming decades.
01:24I believe that Scotland is a European nation and that our future lies within the European Union.
01:30I believe also that rejoining the European Union should be our clearly stated goal and national mission.
01:38Why? Because the opportunities presented by open access to a market of 450 million people with a collective GDP in the order of 17 trillion euros are enormous for an outward-looking economy such as Scotland.
01:53And as the threat of a more restrictive global trading environment increases, it becomes all the more important to have access to the European single market and all that that entails.
02:05For our security in an ever more uncertain world, the EU is the answer.
02:11Recognising our demographic challenges for a new opportunity of free movement within the EU is the answer.
02:19Whether it is more lucrative trade, higher economic growth, more effective collective action on climate change, increased opportunities for learning by exchange for young Scots, for me, the EU is the answer.
02:34There are some important steps we can take and once again I recognise what is possible given the realities of politics elsewhere in the UK.
02:44My aim today is not to look backwards in order to refight the Brexit today. Brexit for all its following has happened.
02:52Instead, my wish is that we turn our eyes to the ground that lies ahead and determine to choose a new path and a different course.
03:02Simply put, remain with the past, rejoin is Scotland's best hope for a more prosperous future.