The Scottish Government has called for urgent action to help those likely to be hit by a no-deal Brexit

The Scottish Government has called for urgent action to support those facing poverty in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Immediate UK Government action is needed to mitigate the highly damaging impact of a possible ‘no deal’ Brexit on those on low incomes, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has warned in a letter to the Secretary of State of Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey.

If the UK Government pursues a no-deal Brexit, its estimated 130,000 people in Scotland could be pushed into poverty.

The immediate actions the Scottish Government is calling for from the UK Government include: the launch of a fully resourced UK-wide benefit awareness campaign to maximise take-up of available benefits; the implementation of a range of changes to Universal Credit to safeguard incomes; and the lifting of the benefits freeze on working age benefits.

Campbell said: “A no-deal Brexit is a disastrous option that the Scottish Parliament has made clear should not be considered.

“Tens of thousands of people in Scotland are at risk of being pushed into poverty. If the UK Government sanctions this highly damaging course of action, it must deal with the consequences.

“Action from the UK Government is needed now to deal with the magnitude of crisis a no-deal Brexit would cause. That is why I have made clear that the Department of Work and Pensions must try to mitigate the worst effects of their actions on those on low incomes and in poverty.”