Moray MSP slams "worse" Brexit deal

BORIS Johnson’s proposed new Brexit deal would leave Scotland unique among the four UK nations in being completely ignored, SNP MSP Richard Lochhead has said.

While England and Wales both voted to leave the EU, and would do so under the deal, Northern Ireland is being handed a special deal effectively keeping it within the single market and customs union – with the power to change their relationship in future.

The MSP claimed that this would leave Scotland unique in voting Remain but being dragged out of the EU with no say over her future relationship.

Commenting, Mr Lochhead said: “Boris Johnson’s proposed Brexit deal is even more extreme than Theresa May’s – and would be worse for jobs, household incomes and living standards in Moray.

“And, crucially, it leaves Scotland unique among the four nations of the UK in facing an outcome we did not vote for and having no say over our future relationship.

“Moray voted to remain in the EU – just like every local authority in Scotland – and yet we’ve been entirely side-lined by the Tories ever since.

“This deal will lead to Northern Ireland having a different relationship with the EU than the rest of the UK and will put Scotland at a serious competitive disadvantage.

“Our local Tory MP will not be forgiven if he backs Boris and votes for his hard Brexit deal that will make people in Moray poorer.”

Moray MP Mr Ross had yesterday (Thursday) urged MPs across the political divide to unite and back what he called a "fair" deal.

Mps are due to meet tomorrow (Saturday) to debate and vote on the deal, with the outcome expected to be too close to call.

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