HOLYROOD is set to reject Theresa May’s Brexit deal, with MSPs from the SNP, Labour, LibDems and Greens joining forces to demand a “better alternative”.
Only the Tories are likely to oppose the motion in the name of Michael Russell, Neil Findlay, Ross Greer and Tavish Scott.
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It argues “that both a no-deal outcome and the outcomes arising from the withdrawal agreement and political declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK, as presented to the House of Commons by the Prime Minister, would be damaging for Scotland and the nations and regions of the UK as a whole”.
Tory MSP Adam Tomkins dismissed the vote as a “game” and claimed the debate wasn’t really about Brexit.
He said: “We know what the SNP and Greens are trying to do with this needless debate – they want to use it to manufacture yet more grievance as part of their push for a second independence referendum.
“That Labour and the LibDems have once again fallen into line with the nationalists is disappointing but hardly surprising.
“It’s a choice they’ve taken at every step since the Brexit referendum was held. Willie Rennie and Richard Leonard are Nicola Sturgeon’s little helpers.”
There was a boost for the Scottish Tories yesterday afternoon after the Scotch Whisky Association came out in support of May’s deal.
The SWA urged MPs to think of the Scotch industry when they come to vote next Tuesday.
“On balance, the draft withdrawal agreement and accompanying political declaration on the Future UK-EU Relationship stand up well against the Scotch Whisky industry’s Brexit priorities,” the industry body wrote in its Brexit briefing.
But that was some of the only good news for the Prime Minister, with May’s chances of winning the vote growing ever slimmer.
According to reports, the Tory leader is telling MPs that they either vote for her deal or see the Government brought down by Jeremy Corbyn.
May needs at least 320 votes for success, but current analysis suggests the Prime Minister will fall short by 90 votes, with 399 MPs expected to vote against her exit deal.
Meanwhile, the DUP have made clear that will not repay the £1 billion funding deal given to Northern Ireland under a “confidence and supply” arrangement if their pact with the Tories ends.
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