Budget (Scotland) (No 2) Bill: Stage 1

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 2 February 2023.

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Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

I agree very much with Liz Smith about the significance of the population issue and the working-age population. Earlier in her remarks, she mentioned the labour-market implications of Brexit. Does she therefore agree that one of the implications of Brexit has been a reduction in the eligible working-age population? The Scottish Government will do all that we can to boost employability, but does Liz Smith agree that the strategic impact of a measure that has undermined population growth in Scotland is undoubtedly a factor that will undermine economic growth in the forthcoming period?