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The Scottish National Party has confirmed that its MPs will vote against what it called “Boris Johnson’s extreme Tory Brexit” next week, saying the newly agreed deal strengthened the case for Scottish independence.
The expected decision, made after a meeting of the SNP’s Westminster parliamentary group, warrants at least some formal opposition when the deal is presented to the Commons on Wednesday.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: ‘Boris Johnson’s extreme Tory Brexit is an unforgivable act of economic vandalism and gross stupidity, which will cause lasting damage to the economy and leave the UK much worse at the worst time possible, during a pandemic and economic recession.
“Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process and we are forced to pay a devastating price. It is clear that the only way to protect Scotland’s interests and regain all the benefits of EU membership is to become an independent country.
“This is a very bad deal for Scotland, which will end our membership in the EU, take us out of the world’s largest single market and customs union, end our rights to freedom of movement and impose a lot of red tape, additional costs and barriers to trading by Scottish companies. The blame falls squarely on the Conservative government. “
Noting that Keir Starmer has said that the Labor Party will support the deal, finalized on Christmas Eve, Blackford said it was clear that the plan would be approved anyway, “but it is not being done on our behalf.”
He said: “Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. The people of Scotland have the right to determine our own future as an independent European country.
Labor has expressed disappointment with the deal, but will impose a three-line maximum whip for its MPs to vote in favor, and Starmer said it was vital to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
The stance has sparked opposition from some Labor MPs, with the possibility that some shadow judges resign their posts to vote against the plan.
Liberal Democrats have condemned the deal, but party leader Ed Davey he said only that its MPs “will not support it”, instead explicitly committing to vote against it.
Parliamentarians are being called to consider and vote on the deal on December 30, with the government aiming for both the Commons and Lords to approve the plan on the same day.
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