The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Holyrood will have ‘no veto over Brexit’
TheUK’stop lawofficer has dismissed Scotland’s vote to remain in the European Union (EU) and insisted “all of the United Kingdom” will leave.
AttorneyGeneral Jeremy Wright said Holyrood does not have a veto over Brexit, adding Scotland will be taken out along with the rest of the UK.
Prime Minister Theresa Mayhaspledged to listen to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s options to keep Scotland in the EU but she described some of the ideas being put forward to date as “fanciful”.
Speaking in the House of Commons, SNP MP Martyn Day said: “The prime minister has stated that Brexit means Brexit, and the first minister of Scotland has stated that for us remain means remain.
“Do you agree that the Scottish people have spoken and therefore their sovereignty should be respected?”
Mr Wright said: “The people of the United Kingdom have spoken and their sovereignty must be respected.
“The decision as to whether to leave theEUis a decision that the people of the UK have made and we will respect their decision.”
AlisonThewliss, SNPMP for Glasgow Central, said: “The prime minister has indicated that she’ll not triggerArticle 50 in theUKuntil there isaUKapproachto Brexit.
“Do you agree that a legislative consent motion is required before the Government has legal authority to trigger Article 50?”
MrWright said all of the UK’s devolved administrations should take part in the process of developing the UK’s approach to the Brexit negotiations.
He added: “But that does not mean that any of the parts of the United Kingdom have a veto over this processandso consultation most certainly, but veto I’m afraid not.”
Tory MP David Nuttall (Bury North) voiced concerns over the approach of the SNP, tellingMrWright: “I’m quite happy with the Government consulting with the devolved administrations.
“Butwhatconcernsmeis that we don’t finish up being held to ransom by the Scottish nationalists.
“The point is that whatever the Government try and do they will never be able to satisfy the Scottish nationalists.”
Mr Wright said the prime minister has been clear theUKwill leave the EU, adding: “That means all of the United Kingdom.”