What is it?

A major Brexit report shows Glasgow will face great challenges when the UK leaves the EU.  But it argues these can be overcome if the Scottish and UK governments take specific policy decisions to support the city region.

The 'Brexit and the Glasgow Economy: Impacts, Actions and Asks' report calls for the Scottish and UK governments to implement bold policies to empower and grow the Glasgow economy to allow Brexit's economic challenges to be met.

Summary of Report

Produced by Glasgow City Council, the Glasgow Economic Leadership board, and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the report also calls on both governments to promote future economic growth by match funding major gaps caused by the loss of European cash.

The six Glasgow Brexit main asks of the Scottish and UK governments are:

1. To match fund to the same level crucial EU structural and investment funds vital to economic growth. This is currently worth £780 million to Scotland between 2014 and 2020.
2. Scottish and UK governments to accelerate City Deal capital infrastructure works, principally in relation to the approvals required for enhanced surface access to Glasgow Airport, with other projects accelerated in conjunction with the Scottish Government.
3. Both governments should transfer surplus land holdings in Glasgow to Glasgow City Council to allow the acceleration of major housing building programmes that will provide a major jobs stimulus and help meet the city's housing needs.
4. More effective collaborations on economic development and skills between the Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, its agencies and business to support higher levels of competitiveness, innovation and economic growth.
5. A commitment to fund beyond 2019/20 the major EU research programme (Horizon 2020) and to clarify the immigration status of EU students for 2017/18. In this regard the Scottish Government's commitment to continue to fund EU students studying in Glasgow and those about to enrol is welcomed.
6. The Scottish Government should introduce a two-year moratorium on non-domestic rates for new build Grade A properties that are not fully let. This would stimulate speculative development at a time when it is most required post-Brexit.

#GlasgowisOpenforBusiness

To coincide with the launch of the report a selection of Glasgow's leading business, local government and academic leaders have demonstrated their commitment to the city by taking part in the #GlasgowisOpenforBusiness campaign and a short film Glasgow's response to Brexit.

View here:

If you require further information or assistance please contact:

Kevin Kane
Executive Director
Glasgow Economic Leadership