lMcAlpine says Scotland must choose its own future as compromises rejected

South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has said the Prime Minister’s speech made it clear the UK is heading for an economically disastrous hard Brexit. 

Ms McAlpine pointed out that nearly seven months since the referendum the Scottish Government is still the only administration to publish a detailed plan on how to deal with the economic and social risks associated with Brexit.

Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:

 

“Scotland voted overwhelming to remain in the EU and the Scottish Government is doing all it can to make sure the Tories cannot ignore and act against Scotland’s interests.

 

“Theresa May yesterday confirmed that she plans to take the UK towards an economically dangerous hard Brexit. The Prime Minister has chosen to pander to the obsessions of the hard-right of her Tory party, rather than act in the best interests of the country.

 

“Yesterday’s speech made it clear she’s looking at  replacing our membership of the single market with a low wage, de-regulated economy that would see a race to the bottom – leaving everyone worse off as a result.

 

“If the Tories get away with dragging Scotland out of the EU and the Single Market they’ll think they can get away with anything.

 

“The Scottish Government has published compromise proposals that will keep Scotland in the Single Market and the Tories at Westminster must now show they are taking these plans seriously.

 

“The  Tory government cannot be allowed to take Scotland out of the EU and the single market, regardless of the impact on our economy, jobs, living standards and our reputation as an open, tolerant country, without Scotland having the ability to choose between that and a better future.”