SCOTTISH Tories were isolated last night over a No-Deal Brexit debate planned by the Scottish Government for when Holyrood returns from summer recess.
Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations, said he hoped a motion that would make clear Parliament’s opposition to No Deal in all circumstances could be agreed unanimously.
The debate could be held in the first week of the new parliamentary session, which starts on September 2. The SNP said Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats have all indicated their support for the motion. Russell said time was running out: “When the new session starts we will be less than two months away from a catastrophic No-Deal which the UK Government appears now to be actively pursuing.
“It is essential that the Scottish Parliament has the opportunity to have its say while there is still time to stop this disaster from happening.
“It is more important than ever for politicians and parties to work together in Scotland and across the UK to do as much as we can to make the new Prime Minister change course.
“For the Scottish Tories this could be a defining moment. Their leader in the Scottish Parliament says she is opposed to a No-Deal Brexit. This is an opportunity to make that opposition crystal clear and unambiguous. Do Tory MSPs support taking Scotland and the UK of the cliff-edge whatever the costs to jobs and living standards – or are they going to join with other parties to send a message to the UK Government that this reckless plan must be halted now?”
Scottish Tory MSP, Donald Cameron, said they agreed the best Brexit was with a deal, but added: “If the SNP and Labour believe that a No-Deal would be as bad as they say it is, they need to explain why they have continually blocked attempts to get a deal over the line.”
Scottish Greens co-leader, Patrick Harvie, said even most Leave voters did not want the country pushed over the cliff-edge of a No-Deal: “To drag us out of Europe in the most damaging way possible would be the ultimate betrayal and pander to narrow-minded British nationalism,” he said. “The pressure is now on Ruth Davison’s party at Holyrood – will they join the rest of us in joining a rational majority to block Boris Johnson’s disastrous agenda?”
Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said: “This parliamentary debate is an opportunity for all parties to come together and urge the Prime Minister to change course. I hope that will include Ruth Davidson, who once warned of the damage Brexit would do to our economy and way of life.
“Liberal Democrats will work with other opposition parties to prevent the looming national crisis, not just to prevent a No-Deal Brexit but to stop Brexit altogether.”
Scottish Labour did not response to a request for comment.
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