THE Tories are finally “waking up to reality” and preparing for a “humiliating defeat” in next week’s Brexit vote, according to Stephen Gethins MP, SNP’s spokesperson on international affairs and Europe.
Gethins, who renewed calls for Scotland’s voice to be heard in Westminster, was responding to Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd’s acknowledgement that the UK may have to pursue alternative options if Theresa May’s Brexit plan is rejected by MPs.
READ MORE: May's deal savaged by Brexit Committee
Rudd is the first Cabinet minister to publicly float the possibility of “plan B”, telling the BBC that though she still supported the Prime Minister’s plan, “anything could happen” if it was not voted through on Tuesday.
The SNP argued that Rudd’s admission showed it was time that Scotland, which voted by a 62% majority to remain in the EU, should have its decision respected – protecting jobs, living standards, as well as the NHS.
Gethins said: “The UK Government faces a humiliating defeat over the Prime Minister’s ‘Bad Deal Brexit’ on Tuesday.
“Finally the UK Government is waking up to the reality. It’s high time that Scotland’s voice was heard.”
Meanwhile, the SNP have warned that, despite Scotland’s new status as a Ukip-free zone, right-wing extremism and intolerant views remain rife within the ranks of the Scottish Tories.
READ MORE: Labour hunting cross-party support for alternative Brexit
David Coburn MEP, Ukip’s only Scottish parliamentarian, resigned this week citing the party’s promotion of anti-Islamic policies.
Coburn’s resignation came alongside 1421 resignations from the party across all levels of government, who quit in protest of the party’s hard-line policies, which included the appointment of EDL-founder Tommy Robinson in an advisory role.
The SNP has issued a reminder of the growth in right-wing extremism within Tory ranks, suggesting Ruth Davidson’s party have become an “increasingly safe haven” for intolerance and disturbing views.
Ruth Maguire MSP, who convenes Holyrood’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee, called on Scots Tory leadership to clean up their party or risk picking up Ukip’s mantle, saying: “In the context of the Brexit vote, sadly the Tories seem to have veered even further to the right – with a litany of prominent candidates and elected members displaying disturbing, extremist views.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here