Choice between bad deal and no deal – MSP

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr wants “assurances” about parts of Theresa May’s Brexit withdrawal deal – but insists he is still backing the Prime Minister.

The agreement negotiated with Brussels stipulates that Britain will pay a divorce bill to the EU, estimated to be £39billion, and a transition period running until the end of 2020.

During that period, EU law will continue to apply in the UK and the UK will continue to participate in the customs union and the single market.

Also set out is a Northern Irish backstop that aims to avoid a hard border between the United Kingdom and Ireland in the event of no trade deal.

Leave voter Mr Kerr was in March one of 62 MPs who signed a letter to Mrs May insiting the UK must make a clean break with the Common Market. The letter was sent by the European Research Group of Tory backbenchers led by Jacob Rees-Mogg Following publication last week of the 585-page draft withdrawal agreement, Mr Kerr said he was seeking further information on the ‘backstop’ arrangements and if there will be an “incentive” for the EU and the UK to agree terms on a new relationship.

Mr Kerr also wants an assurance that “the UK remains a whole and united country”. He does not want a deal which he believes would threaten the union.

Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Dean Lockhart also lent his support to the deal, saying: “It delivers on the referendum result because it means we’re leaving the EU and ending free movement. We are still able to trade with the single market on a frictionless and free basis. And we avoid the disruption of a hard Brexit which would be detrimental to business.” MARIO KIAKOWSKI, 60,

“It’s not perfect but as with every trade deal, it involves compromise. It’s a good deal and I hope it will pass.”

On the streets, however, the opinions of Stirling residents varied.

“I disagree with EU citizens coming here without a time-frame and bringing their family over with them. We should be like Australia: if you’ve got the skills, you can come here.”

Raymond Gow, 47, said: “I’m fed up. If the Government can’t work it out, then how can we? They need to put politics aside and do what’s best for the country. It’s tricky because I’m a nationalist. What the deal will be, I guess we’ll figure out once it’s done. I don’t know how it will turn out.”

Another Stirling shopper added: “I’m for the deal. I voted to keep us in, and this deal is as close as we’ll get. Opting out completely is a bad idea. Not that I think the EU conducts itself in a good way. I feel that we’re better changing the EU from within.”

Stirling SNP MSP Bruce Crawford criticised the deal, adding: “Theresa May is presenting Parliament with a false choice between a bad deal or no deal at all. To take Scotland out of the Single Market and the Customs Union, a country that voted so strongly to remain in the EU, demonstrates an unforgivable unwillingness to compromise in the national interest. This draft deal doesn’t even mention Scotland once.”

In August, polling for pro-Brexit group Global Britain showed that Stirling voters are unhappy with Brexit negotiations and that Mr Kerr’s backing of the deal could cost him votes at the next election.