JUST what is Jo Swinson’s position on a “no deal” Brexit? Well, it seems the answer is; “it depends”. It depends on whether you look at what she says, or you look at what she does.
On January 16 Ms Swinson asked of the Secretary of State for Scotland: “What personal commitment will he give that he will do everything in his power to protect Scotland from the catastrophe of a no-deal exit, including by putting his country above his party?” She wanted him to do EVERYTHING that he could to protect Scotland. She wanted him to put Scotland before party. That’s laudable given that Ms Swinson represents a constituency with one of the highest Remain votes in the entire UK. That kind of statement is a powerful reflection of her constituents’ position. So far, so good.
On January 29 an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Act was tabled requiring three things: 1) delay Brexit (since we are clearly not ready), 2) rule out a “no-deal” Brexit, 3) recognise the voice of the UK nations in the Brexit process. This amendment was the perfect opportunity for Ms Swinson to give action to her words of January 16. What did she do when given this opportunity? She ABSTAINED! She did precisely the opposite of doing everything in her power – despite what she demanded of the Secretary of State. Double standards anyone?
In summary; after asking David Mundell to do everything in his power to protect Scotland from a no-deal Brexit, Ms Swinson refused to support a vote that sought to protect Scotland from a no-deal Brexit.
Phil McCloy
Milngavie
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