Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has labelled Theresa May’s Brexit deal as a “failure for Scotland.”
The deal, which was presented to the Cabinet last night, has already seen the Brexit Secretary, Dominic Raab, resign from his post in protest.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“After over two years of posturing and prevarication, the Prime Minister has achieved the unique distinction of securing a Brexit deal that is universally unacceptable.
“This is a deal which dismisses the needs and wants of Scotland. It does not take into account the overwhelming majority of voters who chose to remain in the European Union, nor does it take steps to protect the economic interests of Scotland.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that special terms can be offered to Northern Ireland, but not to Scotland. Any deal that leaves Scotland outside of the single market and customs union will leave us at a significant disadvantage, particularly when it comes to competing for investment and jobs with Northern Ireland.
“Just moments ago, news broke that Dominic Raab, the Brexit Secretary, has resigned his post in protest of the deal that he helped negotiate. This is a stunning rebuke to the Prime Minister’s deal, and shows that her current proposals are unpalatable across the board.
“The SNP have been absolutely clear that we will not stand idly by and allow this Tory civil war to engulf Scotland and our prosperity. We will continue to stand up against the economic and cultural self-harm of this deal and of Brexit as a whole, which is inarguably a failure for Scotland and its people.”
