NATIONAL columnist Alyn Smith has delivered his maiden speech in the House of Commons.
It comes after the former Scottish MEP won the Stirling seat at last week’s General Election from Stephen Kerr of the Conservatives.
The seat was one of the most marginal in the country, yet Smith managed to command a majority of more than 9000 votes by the time counting had concluded last Friday.
Smith began his Commons speech by saying he felt mixed emotions, having given up his seat as an MEP to run in the recent General Election.
“It is not the end of Brexit, it is the start of something much worse,” he said.
“The United Kingdom is a union of equals. Do us the courtesy of using the right word.
“A union can only be maintained and endure if there is consent and respect.
“It is an arithmetic fact that Scotland, in all our recent votes, has not consented to where we are now and the actions of this House prove a lack of respect for Scotland’s democracy.”
MPs have gathered to vote on the Withdrawal Bill, with the Conservatives now commanding a majority of 80.
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