Blow as public vote to remain
North Lanarkshire voted heavily in favour of remaining in the European Union last week.
Whilst the Leave campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent following the historic referendum, people in North Lanarkshire followed the rest of Scotland by voting to Remain.
A total of 61.7 per cent of voters in the local authority chose to stay in the EU, meaning 95,549 people crossed the box for Remain - 59,400 chose to Leave, resulting in 38.3 per cent of the votes cast.
The total turnout was well below the national average of 72 per cent as only 60 per cent of the electorate in North Lanarkshre chose to vote in the referendum.
The average turnout across Scotland was 67 per cent with 2,679,513 votes cast in total.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: “To say that I am disappointed in the outcome of the EU referendum would be an understatement. I believe that this will be devastating for the UK.
“I take heart that Scotland has overwhelmingly voted to remain and I thank my constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw for their participation in the referendum.
“I extend my own assurance to the EU citizens living and working in Motherwell and Wishaw, most of whom didn’t have a vote in this EU referendum, that for now we remain in the EU and their contribution to our economy and community is both valued and welcome.
“There lies ahead of us two years of negotiation and uncertainty but I welcome the First Minister’s assurance that every opportunity will be examined to keep Scotland in Europe and to put the interests of all of the people of Scotland at the heart of discussions and negotiations going forward.”
Graham Simpson, Central Scotland Tory MSP, backed Brexit.
He said: “It was a momentous result for the UK. It gives us the chance to regain control over our laws, a large chunk of money and our borders.
“It was a UK vote and the result must be treated that way.
“I was disappointed to see David Cameron resign. He should be proud that he gave us the chance to have our say, even though the result was not what he wanted.
“It was a fantastic exercise in democracy and he accepted the result with good grace.
“If only the SNP could have done the same on this result and the independence referendum then we would not now be dealing with their repeated demands for a rerun.
“The Scottish Conservatives will oppose that all the way.”
Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows said: “The SNP led a positive campaign resulting in a clean sweep where North Lanarkshire and every part of Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union.
“We cannot escape the fact that Scotland could be dragged from the EU against its democratic will.
“All avenues must be explored to continue Scotland’s EU membership which has benefited our economy and society greatly.
“A significant and material change in circumstances has occurred. Therefore, an independence referendum is now an option that the Scottish people may have to consider once all other options have been exhausted.
“Here at Westminster I will be working hard with SNP colleagues to make sure that Scotland’s voice is heard.”