THE Tories just don’t care. They don’t care how their policies impact on people. They don’t care that Brexit will have a disastrous impact on Scotland’s economy. They don’t care that Leave-voting fishermen, who they made big promises about Brexit to, feel let down by their deal.
If all of this wasn’t already obvious, this clip from today’s Commons Brexit deal debate sums it up perfectly.
As SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford called out the UK Government’s “betrayal” of fishermen and “act of economic vandalism” during his speech, the Prime Minister wasn’t paying attention.
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He was sitting staring at his phone.
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber told the Commons: “Another Brexit bubble that badly needs bursting is the myth that leaving the EU will somehow make it easier for businesses to trade. This is literally the first trade deal in history that puts up barriers for business instead of removing them.”
He warned Brexit will bring “more delay, paperwork and checks”. Blackford looked over to Johnson and told him: “Well, if he wants to deny that, rise to his feet.”
As the Commons camera showed Johnson sat looking at his phone, Blackford repeated: “Rise to his feet.
“Because he knows that fishing businesses will face additional costs as a consequence of what his government has done.”
Johnson didn't say anything, and he did not rise to his feet.
Fishing bodies have been outspoken about the Tory deal, which will lead to a “fall in the quantity of fish” Scottish skippers can catch according to Scottish Government analysis.
READ MORE: Brexit trade deal means 'fall in quantity of fish' Scotland’s skippers can catch
A report by fisheries specialists in the civil service says that while there will be “small gains” in quota for mackerel and herring, they will be “far outweighed by the impact of losses of haddock, cod and saithe”.
We have a Prime Minister who sits and looks at his phone when he’s challenged on legitimate issues facing Scotland, its people and its industry.
That says everything.
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