SNP adviser: No-deal fears are ‘overblown’

FEARS over a no-deal Brexit are ‘overblown’ and proposals for a second referendum on leaving the EU should be scrapped, according to Nicola Sturgeon’s economic adviser.

Jim McColl yesterday criticised MPs as they try to derail Theresa May’s Brexit deal, accusing them of acting in their ‘own vested interests’.

The tycoon, owner of the Ferguson Marine shipyard, claimed the best way forward is to crash out without a deal as this is the only way to secure the ‘democratic outcome’ of the 2016 vote.

His intervention came as Scottish Secretary David Mundell made a last-ditch attempt to secure support for the Prime Minister’s deal, claiming the ‘chaos and confusion’ of no-deal would hand the SNP an opportunity to call for another independence referendum.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has urged colleagues to revoke Article 50 and delay the UK’s exit from the EU. He said: ‘I would like the House of Commons now to take control because the Prime Minister has failed to give leadership.’

Mr McColl, who serves on Miss Sturgeon’s economic advisers panel, told the Sunday Times the UK must leave the EU – and that politicians must start doing what is best for the country.

He said: ‘We had a referendum and we voted to leave, and that’s it. What’s happening in Parliament is people with their own vested interests trying to overthrow the outcome of the referendum.

‘No-deal isn’t falling off the edge of a cliff, yet that’s the way it’s being painted.

‘People talk about getting a better deal, but the EU isn’t going to move.’

Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘The SNP’s petty game-playing on Brexit has been clear for all to see, so it’s no wonder Jim McColl has made these comments.

‘Rather than playing political games like the SNP, the Prime Minister is trying to deliver on Brexit with a deal that works for the whole of the UK.’

Mr Mundell said: ‘The Prime Minister’s deal is a product of tough negotiation. It brings certainty.’