THE SNP have confirmed their MPs will vote against Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, which is “a disaster for Scotland” – as the party said independence is now the only way to protect Scotland’s interests and place in Europe.

MSPs will meanwhile be recalled to Holyrood from their festive break to debate the deal.

Following a meeting of the SNP parliamentary group yesterday, Ian Blackford MP said leaving the EU was being imposed against Scotland’s will and would cause lasting damage to jobs, incomes, businesses and the economy – costing Scotland billions. The SNP Westminster leader said Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process – and the people of Scotland have the right to determine their own future as an independent European country.

Nicola Sturgeon also set out why her party would reject the deal.

She tweeted: “The Brexit deal will pass regardless of how the SNP votes. Scotland’s voice and interests are unimportant to the Westminster establishment. Far better then for our MPs to cast a principled vote against Brexit, as we get on with winning the positive case for independence.”

The party is expected to argue and vote along similar lines at Holyrood, which has been recalled for the first time in 18 years to discuss the deal.

Presiding officer Ken Macintosh announced “that a meeting of the [Scottish] Parliament will be convened on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2pm to consider a trade and co-operation agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union”.

Experts have said that Scotland’s economy has already lost billions as a result of Brexit, with one study estimating Scotland had lost £3.94 billion by July 2020.

Separate Scottish Government analysis estimates a hard Brexit of the kind being imposed by Johnson could cut Scotland’s GDP by around 6.1% – costing the equivalent of £1600 for every person by 2030 compared to EU membership.

“Boris Johnson’s extreme Tory Brexit is an unforgivable act of economic vandalism and gross stupidity, which will cause lasting damage to the economy and leave the UK much worse off at the worst possible time – during a pandemic and economic recession,” said Blackford.

“Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process and we are being forced to pay a devastating price. It is clear that the only way to protect Scotland’s interests, and regain the full benefits of EU membership, is to become an independent country.”

He added: “This is a very bad deal for Scotland, which will terminate our membership of the EU, rip us out of the world’s largest single market and customs union, end our freedom of movement rights, and impose mountains of red tape, added costs and barriers to trade for Scottish businesses. The blame lies squarely with the Tory government.

“By the UK Government’s own admission, staying in the EU is the best possible deal. Analysis shows the hard Tory Brexit Boris Johnson wants to impose could cut Scotland’s GDP by around 6.1%, costing more than £9bn or the equivalent of £1600 for every person. This Tory hammer blow to the economy is devastating and completely unnecessary.

“With the Labour Party lining up behind Boris Johnson, it is clear Westminster will impose this hard Tory Brexit regardless of how Scotland votes but it is not being done in our name. It is a disaster for Scotland. Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU.

“The people of Scotland have a right to determine our own future as an independent European country – rather than suffer the long-term damage and decline of a hard Tory Brexit.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party will vote for the deal on Wednesday.

Scotland voted by 62% to remain in the EU with Northern Ireland also backing staying.

Northern Ireland was given a bespoke arrangement to allow it to remain aligned with the EU.