MP puts name to ‘back Brexit’ letter

two opposing camps at a time when we should be coming together.

`A second EU referendum would empower the separatist cause and strengthen Nicola Sturgeon’s plans for a second referendum on independence. No Unionist would want to risk that.

`The parallels are clear to see but they are avoidable.

“By acting in the national interest and backing the Government’s deal we can secure our future outside of the EU and avoid turbo charging Ms Sturgeon’s drive towards independence.

“That is clearly in the best interests of Scotland and the whole of the UK and we would urge all MPs to support this deal.’

Ten of the Conservatives’ 13 Scottish MPs signed the letter including Ochil and South Perthshire MP Luke Graham. Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said Conservative Government’s own analysis had shown people will be worse off under Mrs May’s Brexit deal – with Scotland being disproportionately impacted.

“This deal has little support, and crashing out of the EU with no deal is unthinkable.

“With Westminster almost at stalemate, it is only right that power is handed back to the people to decide how we move forward in a People’s Vote. And, given what we now know in terms of what leaving the EU means to our livelihoods, Remain should be an option.

“However, it is peculiar that the biggest concern for Scottish Tory MPs is not protecting Scotland’s economy but rather keeping us bound in a political union with the United Kingdom no matter what.”

Stirling4Europe spokesman Alastair Duncan said much has been learned in the two and a half years since that referendum.

“Mrs May’s deal recognises that for the sake of peace in Ireland, the border must remain open and equally that jobs and prosperity in the UK depend on our trade with the EU,” he said.

“Hence the Irish backstop from which the UK cannot unilaterally withdraw and shared trading standards with the EU which US President Donald Trump and his UK ambassador have said rule out the chances of a trade deal with the US.

“So much for the illusory promise that by leaving the EU we would somehow `take back control’.

“In fact, we would increase our prosperity, guarantee peace in Ireland and have more control – by rule-makers rather than rule-takers – if we stayed in the EU.”