Paisley’s MSP, George Adam, has said that it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country, after the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK government to bring forward an independence vote
Ahead of the UK government’s triggering of Article 50 and the beginning of the process of leaving the EU, the First Minister said that the Westminster government has been guilty of complete intransigence in the face of Scottish Government attempts to find a compromise – and has continually acted against the best interests of Scotland, not least by ruling out membership of the single market without consulting the Scottish Government.
Commenting, George Adam, said: “Throughout the entire Brexit process to date, the Scottish Government has been consistent in its pursuit of a compromise with the UK government, putting forward substantial proposals for Scotland to remain in the single market – yet the UK government has rejected these and is pursuing an ever harder line.
“The SNP will always stand up for Scotland’s interests and we are intent on protecting Scotland’s place in the single market. The people of Scotland deserve to choose, once the terms of Brexit are clear and before it is too late to decide our own path, honouring the manifesto pledge that we were elected on last year.
“Scotland now stands at a crossroads, and we cannot drift along for two years hoping for the best. We face the real prospect of right-wing Tory governments until at least 2030 and being dragged out of the EU and Single Market with all the damage to our economy and society that will cause.”
Renfrewshire North & West MSP, and Constitution Secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish Government has stood up for Scotland’s interests during the process of the Brexit negotiations, however, our efforts and attempts to come to a compromise have been ignored. UK membership of the single market was ruled out with no prior consultation with the Scottish Government or with the other devolved administrations.
“We didn’t ask to be in this position, but with the UK Tory Government ignoring the people of Scotland, the Scottish Parliament and Government, we must take action. We cannot drift along and hope for the best.
“At last May’s election, the SNP made clear in our manifesto that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there was a significant and material change in circumstances, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will.
“Therefore, the Scottish Government has a clear mandate to offer the people of Scotland a choice, via a referendum on Scotland’s future.”
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Leader of Renfrewshire SNP Council Group, said: “This is the news that many within Scotland’s independence movement have been waiting for.
“We were obviously disappointed with the result of the 2014 Independence Referendum, although Paisley said Yes it was disappointing that the rest of Renfrewshire – and not enough of the rest of Scotland – joined us.
“However, it has to be remembered that the promises made in the infamous vow of the three main UK party leaders have never been delivered. The added threat of Brexit will have a severe impact on our economy.
“It’s time to look forward to what is best for Scotland and the people who live here. It’s far better that the decisions about our country, our economy and our welfare should be taken here in Scotland, not in Westminster which – despite the massive rise in SNP MPs – still treats Scotland with disdain.
“Obviously we still have the council elections to get past, but Yes Paisley will be back and we will be stronger than ever before. We will campaign all across Paisley to ensure that even more Buddies vote to ensure that Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands”.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North said: “Today the First Minister announced that she will seek the approval of the Scottish Parliament to open discussions with the UK government on the details of a section 30 order – the procedure that will enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate for an independence referendum.
“Scotland’s voice must – and will – be heard.”