Brexit is a ‘tragedy for young people’, Scottish Europe minister says

Brexit is a “tragedy for young people”, Europe minister Stephen Gethins is set to tell parliament.

In a statement marking a decade since the UK voted to leave the EU, the minister is expected to present withdrawal from the bloc as a negative for Scotland in a move which could set up a clash with members of Reform, the party of arch-Brexiteer Nigel Farage.

The Scottish Government believes Brexit has made Scotland and the UK “poorer, more isolated and less secure”.

Gethins is expected to argue that Scottish independence within the EU is the challenge of this parliamentary term.

The speech will take place on the day that locals in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry vote in a byelection to replace Gethins as their MP.

He won the seat in the 2024 general election but stood down after being elected to Holyrood six weeks ago.

In his speech to parliament, Gethins is expected to say: “Scotland is a proud European nation, and we believe that membership of the European Union is vital for the sake of our security, prosperity, and our people.

“For businesses, leaving the European Union introduced friction where there was once fluidity, barriers where there was access, and uncertainty where there was stability.

“Scotland has suffered an estimated £3.3bn cut in 2025 alone that could have been invested in our NHS because of a Brexit that people in Scotland overwhelmingly rejected.

“Cost-of-living pressures have been exacerbated at a time when families can least afford it with a £250 increase in food and drink bills due to leaving the EU.

“There is a particular tragedy for young people. Every political generation should leave more opportunity than they themselves enjoyed. We cannot say that with the removal of the freedoms to live, learn and work across the EU.

“Scotland’s future lies in restoring our place at the heart of Europe. This parliament has the opportunity to offer the people of Scotland a fresh start with independence – and it is one that we must grasp.”