SNP debate calls for EU extension to avoid further economic damage
This afternoon my SNP colleagues and I led an Opposition Day debate calling for the UK Government to rule out a Brexit power grab on the Scottish Parliament and extend the transition period so we don’t simply go from one economic crisis to another.
Leading the debate, Ian Blackford said Tory plans to roll back devolution in areas including state aid, agriculture, food and environmental standards represented the biggest threat to Scotland’s devolution settlement since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999.
The SNP Westminster Leader also called on Boris Johnson to accept the extension to the transition period on offer from the EU – warning crashing out with a bad deal or no deal in the middle of a global pandemic and economic crisis would damage the economy and hinder the recovery.
In my speech, I highlighted how so many more people living in Scotland are seeing the true extent of the damage the Tory government is creating and are appalled at its failure to admit it must seek an extension, while we have a health pandemic and economic crisis on our hands.
this damage is being done to Scotland, by a government we did not elect, pursuing a policy that we overwhelmingly rejected.
Crashing out of the European Union in 5 months’ time, in the middle of the worst economic crisis in centuries will devastate communities across Scotland, just when we are most vulnerable.
I reminded the House that this damage is being done to Scotland, by a government we did not elect, pursuing a policy that we overwhelmingly rejected.
In the EU referendum of June 2016, the people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain part of the European Union. In the three UK-wide elections since 2016, two for Westminster and in the European Elections, Scotland’s will to remain in the European Union was confirmed. And according to numerous opinion polls since, that desire to stay in the European Union is further strengthening in Scotland.
I told members, I firmly believe that it is now a matter of how and when Scotland becomes independent, rather than the old argument of should and could Scotland be independent. You can listen to my full speech by clicking on the link below.
