BORIS Johnson’s Government is “trashing” the UK’s international reputation with its plan to renege on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minister offered the brutal assessment of the Westminster administration after ministers admitted the new Internal Market Bill will break international law.
She was asked about Brexit by Tory MSP Peter Chapman during First Minister’s Questions.
He referenced a recent report in the Times which claimed a Scottish Government delegation in Brussels suggested to EU officials that UK negotiators should make concessions on fishing rights in the Brexit talks.
The North East representative said: “I'm sure the First Minister will realise that, if true, this significantly weakens the UK’s negotiating position, and could therefore result in a much poorer outcome for fishermen.
“Can the First Minister confirm or deny that this conversation took place, as reported?”
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Sturgeon rejected the claim and urged the Tory to consider recent developments at Westminster.
She replied: “I, and anybody in the Scottish Government have never tried to undermine the negotiations the UK is having with the European Union, even if we, which we don't, we wouldn't have to because the UK is doing such a good job of undermining these negotiations themselves.
“I mean I really, I really would ask the member to reflect on what has transpired over the past couple of days. The UK Government has just published a bill that they admit breaks international law. They are trashing the United Kingdom's international reputation. And frankly, it is disgraceful.
“What this story sounds to me like, actually, is the UK Government preparing the ground to sell out yet again Scotland's fishing industry and look for somebody else to blame. Well when and if they do sell out Scotland's fishing industry, the only people to blame will be the Tories and in the UK Government.”
Johnson’s proposals in the Internal Market Bill have also been condemned by European leaders.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “Very concerned about announcements from the British government on its intentions to breach the withdrawal agreement.
“This would break international law and undermines trust. Pacta sunt servanda – the foundation of prosperous future relations.”
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