LABOUR and the Conservatives are working “hand in glove” to impose a “devastating Tory hard Brexit” on Scotland without its consent, the SNP has said.
Ian Blackford, the party’s leader at Westminster, lashed out at the London-based parties after news broke that Keir Starmer will not be backing calls to extend the Brexit transition period.
Last night, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said plans to push ahead with exiting the EU despite the new Covid variant were “unconscionable”, adding: “It’s now imperative that PM seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period.”
Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also urged the Government to extend the transition period. The FTSE 100 closed today 1.7% down, as the pound’s value also fell significantly against that of the US dollar and euro.
However, Labour leader Keir Starmer refused to back calls for an extension, claiming that “just delaying [Brexit] further isn’t going to help”.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer is recycling the same old rubbish – no wonder Scots aren't listening
He added: “So, I say to the Prime Minister, get on and deliver the deal that you promised. Get on and deliver it this week, today, tomorrow, and then we can recall parliament and deal with it.”
Blackford said that Starmer’s attitude “beggars belief” and added his voice to calls for an extension to the transition period.
The SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber said: "It beggars belief that Keir Starmer is happy to impose a devastating Tory hard Brexit in ten days' time, in the middle of a global pandemic, when many families and businesses are already struggling to get by.
"Yet again, Labour and the Tories are recklessly endangering Scotland's economy by working hand in glove to rip Scotland out of the EU, and the world's largest single market, at the worst possible time.
"Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process. It is beyond reckless that we now face the threat of an extreme low deal or No-Deal outcome, which we know will cause lasting harm to jobs, living standards and the economy.
"The UK Government must finally see sense, and agree an emergency extension, to avoid even more damage and disruption from this growing Tory Brexit crisis. Whatever happens, it is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland's interests and our place in Europe is to become an independent country."
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