Order, Order.

We turn now to a Vote on SM175, in the name of the Scottish National Party. The question is that this Parliament approves the Scotland International Trade Motion.

Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain. Attempts to stylise a vote may result in it not being counted. Where there is mix-up with an alternative voting style, this shall also be accepted.

Scotland International Trade Motion

The Scottish Parliament notes that

(1) That in 2022 Scotland exported products for a total worth of £25.8 billion.

(2) It’s important for Scottish businesses that they are represented well in trade deals and other international agreements.

(3) The First Minister said that the Scottish Government would examine its details after a deal has been struck, not before.

The Scottish Parliament calls on the Government to

(1) Work with the U.K. Government beforehand to make sure that the interests of Scottish businesses are protected.

(2) Have a discussion with the new U.K. minister responsible for international trade to highlight the importance of Scottish products in trade agreements.

This motion was written by The Most Honourable Sir model-willem KD KP OM CT CB CMG CBE PC MSP MS MLA, Member of Scottish Parliament for Moray, on behalf of the Scottish National Party

Opening Speech

Presiding Officer,

As this motion notes, export is an important part of our economy, £25.8 billion are earnied by businesses by doing trade with other countries outside of the United Kingdom. It is therefore of the utmost importance that Scotland’s interests are well-managed and that we’re getting our fair share in future trade deals and other international agreements and arrangements. This means that it’s a task for the Scottish Government to make sure that this happens.

During the first First Minister’s Questions starting on March 9th 2023, the First Minister said that it’s “a matter for Westminster and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs” and “there is no Department for International Trade within the Scottish Government, and trade policy is the full responsibility of the UK Government.” While these are both true, this doesn’t mean that the Scottish Government should turn a blind eye and accept whatever the Westminster Government does beforehand. The Scottish Government owes it to the Scottish people and Scottish businesses to work with the U.K. Government on these issues before deals are struck, not after they have happened and changes might not be able to be made.

I hope that everybody who wants to let the Scottish economy succeed vote in favour of this motion and push the Scottish Government to do its job, and help the Scottish people.

Link to Motion Debate

Voting on this item of Business ends with the close of Business on April 1st, at 10 pm BST.