‘Momentous’ backing of People’s Vote

The Scottish Parliament has become the first UK legislature to back holding a public vote on the final terms of the Brexit deal.

Holyrood voted 66 to 28 in favour of a People’s Vote after it was put forward in a Liberal Democrat amendment to a government motion during a chamber debate on the Brexit threat to international scientific research in Scotland.

All Green MSPs and the majority of the SNP backed the Lib Dems in the face of unanimous Conservative opposition.

Two rebel Labour MSPs also gave their support, including the Scottish party’s former leader Kezia Dugdale.

She said it was the first time in her seven years as an MSP that she defied the Labour whip, adding: “I have been a long-standing supporter of a People’s Vote and I believe it would be a democratic outrage if the people of the UK are not given the chance to stop Brexit.

“The Scottish Parliament has sent out a strong message and I urge the UK Government to listen.”

Party colleague Daniel Johnson joined her to back a People’s Vote while all remaining Labour MSPs abstained, as did SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson.

Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott, who tabled the motion, said: “This is a momentous vote. The Scottish Parliament is the first in the UK to back a People’s Vote. It won’t be the last. This will only get bigger.

“MSPs and MPs who back the People’s Vote are fast forming the biggest and most cohesive bloc in British politics.”