A TORY MP who decided against voting in the EU referendum because she couldn’t make her mind up appears to have now woken up to its significance – nearly 18 months later.
In the Commons yesterday Kirstene Hair asked the Prime Minister if EU nationals will be able to come to her constituency of Angus after Brexit to work on fruit farms.
“In my constituency, one of the big challenges as we leave the European Union is the uncertainty about the seasonal migrant workforce. Angus produces 30 per cent of Scotland’s soft fruit and welcomes more than 4000 seasonal workers every year. Does my right honourable friend agree we need clarity on the new migration framework – for the benefit of these loyal workers, for the prosperity of our British soft fruit industry and to support the overall rural economy of our United Kingdom?”
Theresa May did not give a direct answer and said as the UK left the EU her Government would bring “forward new immigration rules” which “will enable us to have that control that we have not had in the past” for those coming from the EU.
Former SNP MP Mike Weir, who lost his seat to Hair in June, said: “It seems ridiculous Kirstene Hair couldn’t make up her mind on how to vote in the EU referendum when EU membership is so important to the economy of Angus.
“Anyone who had any knowledge of the economy of Angus should have realised the potential impact that Brexit would have and should have acted accordingly.
“Clearly the majority of people in Angus voted to remain.
“It looks like she is now being lobbied by local employers who are pointing out the difficulties they are likely to face as a result of Brexit. If she cares for the economy of Angus she should be pressing the UK Government on a drastic change of direction in the way it is trying to negotiate Brexit.”
Earlier this year Hair caused controversy after deciding to refusing to sign any Early Day Motions (EDMs). EDMs are motions for debate which rarely lead to debates, but which are used by MPs to put their views on record and highlight worthy campaigns and constituency issues.
By attracting the signatures of other MPs, they can be used to demonstrate the level of support for a cause or point of view. But Hair refused to take part, calling the EDM system “devalued”.
An automatic message sent to people contacting her states: “I have reached the conclusion that due to the volume of Early Day Motions, they have become devalued and I do not, as a matter of principle, sign even those with which I have the greatest sympathy.”
The former Tory party worker said she didn’t vote in the EU referendum because it was too “difficult”.
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