Politicians react to Brexit with dismay

SNP politicians in Ayrshire have reacted to the news of the UK’s decision to leave the EU with disappointment.

South Ayrshire Council voted to Remain in the EU by 59 per cent while East Ayrshire Council voted to Remain by 58.6 per cent – alongside every other local authority area in Scotland.

But Ayr MP Corri Wilson and Carrick MSP Jeane Freeman have both hit out at the situation Scotland now finds it in – having to leave the EU despite the majority wanting to stay in.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Corri Wilson said: “I am hugely disappointed that the UK finds itself in this position. This result is bad news for Scotland, bad news for the UK and bad news for Europe.

“The voters of Ayrshire, and across Scotland, have said clearly and unequivocally that we want to

Sstay in the European Union, and I am pleased that the positive case for remaining has been endorsed here.

“But the results elsewhere demonstrate that the four nations of the UK are pulling in different directions.

“It is my belief that it is democratically unacceptable for Scotland to be taken out of Europe against our will, and our attention must now turn to where we go from here.”

Central Ayrshire MP Dr Philippa Whitford added: “Although only a matter of days since votes were cast, the outcome has already resulted in fundamental changes, both economically and politically, and will continue to do so for long a time to come.

“It also highlights the democratic deficit of the UK political system where two of the four nations – Scotland and Northern Ireland – vote decisively to remain in the EU but may nonetheless be taken out because of a desire by those in England and Wales to leave.”

Meanwhile, MSP Jeane Freeman has told EU nationals in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley that “you remain welcome here” after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union.

Jeane said: “It’s significant that the result in Scotland came after a campaign that was positive about the EU and the benefits of freedom of movement.

“As your MSP, I want to tell the citizens of other EU countries living in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley that you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued.

“It’s deeply disappointing that the result in Scotland was not echoed across the whole of the UK – but Scotland has spoken decisively and we will make that voice heard.”

However, Ayr man Dan McCroskrie, head of the Scottish ground campaign at Scottish Vote Leave, welcomed the UK- wide decision.

He said: “The referendum result was clear across the United Kingdom.

“Over 17 million people, including over one million Scottish voters, voted to take back control and leave the European Union. What has become clear over the last few days is that despite some initial market and political shock, things are returning to normal.

“The strength of our currency is stabilising, the business community are confident that this result can work for them and debate is taking place across our political parties.

“As this was a UK- wide referendum, our focus must now be on making this vote work for our country and the people who live in it.“