RENFREWSHIRE South MSP Tom Arthur has urged the UK Government to protect jobs in his constituency by extending the Brexit transition period in light of the coronavirus crisis.

With new analysis showing billions of pounds could be wiped from the Scottish economy, the SNP man is keen for Westminster to take action to protect local workers.

The transition arrangements currently keep the UK close to the European Union (EU) and can be extended for two years – beyond December 31 – if the UK Government asks for an extension by the end of this month.

A new study from the Scottish Government claims that, without an extension, Scotland's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) could be more than one per cent lower after two years.

It adds that the cumulative loss of economic activity from leaving the EU would be up to £3billion over those two years – on top of the devastating effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

The report also highlights that, without an extension or a free trade deal, jobs in the likes of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors will be especially badly hit.

Mr Arthur, who is based in Johnstone, said: “Coronavirus is causing enormous economic disruption.

“It would be an act of extraordinary recklessness for the UK Government to allow us to crash out of the transition period at the end of this year.

“The SNP believe the best future for Scotland is as an independent member of the EU but, regardless of your opinion on Brexit or Independence, it makes no sense to crash out of the European single market at precisely the moment we need stability.

“Businesses in Renfrewshire South are focused on securing their future – they simply don’t have the capacity to prepare for Brexit on top of a pandemic.

“The UK Government must do the sensible thing and protect jobs by extending the transition period.”

However, Scotland Office minister David Duguid said extending the transition period would increase uncertainty for businesses.

He added: "It would bind us into future EU legislation without us having any say in designing it but still having to foot the bill, as we would still have to make payments into the EU budget."

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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