SNP call on Labour to support new vote

The SNP’s Westminster leader has written to Scottish Labour MPs calling on them to reject the prime minister’s Brexit deal and support a second referendum.

Ian Blackford also warned in his letter that supporting Jeremy Corbyn’s EU withdrawal proposals would serve a “devastating blow” to communities across Scotland. He said Scotland voted to remain and that the “nation must not be dragged out” against its will.

Mr Blackford added: “We are less than 50 days away from Brexit date and in Westminster both the prime minister and leader of the socalled opposition are leading Scotland and the UK hand in hand off the Brexit cliff-edge. When the prime minister returns to parliament with her deal, Scottish Labour MPs must stand up for Scotland’s economic and social interests, and reject the prime minister’s deal and Jeremy Corbyn’s plan to throw his support behind it. It is alarming that, despite the overwhelming damage that the prime minister’s deal will cause to Scotland, the Labour leader would seek to support the deal. Scotland did not vote for Brexit and our nation must not be dragged out of the EU against our will.”

Shadow Scottish secretary Lesley Laird said that Labour remain convinced that the best outcome is a general election to get rid of the current Tory government.

The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford.