EU deal shows Labour is getting on with the job while others moan, says MSP
Many readers will be aware of the groundbreaking trade agreement between the new United Kingdom Government and the European Union.
With it came a major step towards resetting the UK's relationship with Europe and clearing up the previous government's mess in relation to Brexit.
This development follows similar agreements with the US and India.
All good news for Inverclyde which is a major hub for Scotland's exports.
The new UK-EU trade deal will make it easier for Scottish businesses to trade with European countries while also improving our defence capability and strengthening our borders.
But it is likely to bring real, tangible benefits to people's personal lives too.
For example, supermarkets such as Morrisons have said that the deal has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of the weekly shop.
Holiday-makers travelling to Europe will also be able to use e-Gates – ending those lengthy queues at passport control.
And with more cooperation between the UK and the EU on energy, the deal will help to drive down energy bills in the long term.
This agreement is aimed at rebuilding our economy and has rightly received overwhelming support from Scottish industry.
Unfortunately Scottish First Minister John Swinney, UK Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage all appear to oppose it.
And while I am disappointed by the Scottish Government's lack of support, I am not surprised by it.
The fact is that John Swinney's government has developed a habit of complaining from the sidelines while the new UK Government gets on with the job.
The only thing the Scottish Government seemed to have done to improve relations with our EU neighbours is to overlook Inverclyde jobs and industry by sending ferry contracts to Poland.
On the other hand, this new UK-EU deal is a serious move by a UK Government that is serious about rebuilding our country's economy and our friendships with partners abroad.
And this action is bearing fruit with the positive news that the UK had the fast growing economy in the G7 for the first three months of 2025. Long may it continue.
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