THE LibDems have ruled out entering a ‘Remain pact’ with the SNP.
Last week the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election saw Plaid Cymru and the Green Party stand aside to boost the chances of a proEU MP being elected.
After the Liberal Democrats won the seat and beat the Conservatives, party leader Jo Swinson predicted further alliances in future.
In an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Liberal Democrat chief whip Alistair Carmichael was asked if his party would be willing to step aside in Scotland to let the SNP win for a Remain alliance, in a “real test” of the stance being taken.
But the MP for Orkney and Shetland said: “No we wouldn’t and for one very simple reason. The SNP are one side of another fundamental nationalist argument which is about Scottish independence.
“So no, we wouldn’t be able to work with them…but of course on Brexit, we come to the same conclusion, where both parties are Remain.”
He added: “The dominant issue I think in Scotland remains Scottish independence – whether it’s a Liberal Democrat MP that wins in my constituency or any other for example, or an SNP one, they would both be Remain MPs.”
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