MPs examine implications for Scottish exports after Brexit

• Inquiry: Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment
• Scottish Affairs Committee

Exports in the services sector, such as financial and insurance services, account for almost half of all Scottish exports and were valued at £37.1 billion in 2016. Globally, trade in services is increasing at a quicker pace than goods. At present, the UK is bound by the principles governing the EU Single Market for services. In the Chequers plan, the UK Government proposes looser regulatory alignment with the EU than in goods, arguing that regulatory flexibility will provide UK service suppliers more opportunities to expand into non-EU markets.

Focus of the meeting

This session will examine the implications of Brexit for Scottish exports in the services sector, such as barriers to trade and the opportunity to expand into new markets. Evidence will be taken in four short panels to provide a broad overview of the opportunities and challenges Brexit creates.

Witnesses

Monday 15 October, The Royal Society of Edinburgh (Wellcome Room)

10am - Higher education

• Wendy Alexander, Vice Principal of University of Dundee, Universities Scotland
• Professor Richard Williams, Principal of Heriot Watt University, Universities Scotland

10.40am - Financial Services

• Alastair Ross, Head of Public Policy Scotland, Association of British Insurers
• Conor Lawlor, Principal for International & Brexit Policy, UK Finance
• Richard Normington, Senior International Policy Adviser, Investment Association

12.00pm - Digital Technology

• Polly Purvis, Chief Executive, ScotlandIS
• Svea Miesch, Research & Policy Manager, ScotlandIS

12.30pm - Legal Services

• Michael Clancy, Law Society of Scotland
• Carolyn Thurston Smith, Law Society of Scotland

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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