MSPs unite in vote to snub Theresa May’s plan while Tories left to stand alone
THE Scottish Parliament has voted to reject Theresa May’s Brexit plan.
SNP, Labour, Greens and LibDem MSPs united to back a motion to tell the Prime Minister to scrap her deal while the Tories said the SNP was using Brexit to stoke up grievance and bolster support for independence.
MSPs heard the deal would be bad for jobs, businesses, and regeneration and infrastructure projects in Glasgow and would hit already struggling families in the poorest communities hard.
After a two and a half hour debate, which was heated and at times saw angry exchanges, MSPs voted by 92 to 29 to reject the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal and her alternative of a no deal.
The Conservatives were the only party to refuse to support the joint motion to reject, and to defended the deal that the Prime Minister is struggling to get through the UK Parliament at Westminster.
Michael Russell, Scottish Government Brexit Secretary, challenged individual Tory MSPs on the deal.
To Adam Tomkins, Glasgow Conservative MSP, he said Glasgow and other cities benefited greatly from EU social funds and regional development funds which he said “accelerated the growth of Glasgow’s enterprises.”
He asked: “Who will replace those much needed funds in Glasgow? Is Mr Tomkins really going to vote against that?”
Mr Russell said people would lose out financially despite the promises made during the referendum.
He said: “Forget about £350m a week for the NHS it is £30 a week less every man woman and child, with no respite.”
Mr Russell said the Scottish Tory MSPs motivation was purely political.
He said: “For in truth this deal is about saving the Prime Minister, not about saving her country.”
Mr Tomkins, leading the debate for the Tories challenged the other parties to provide an alternative to the deal that was on the table. small