SNP joins cross-party efforts to prevent a no deal Brexit

by the SNP
Posted on
5 years ago
2 min read

Earlier today the SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, met with other opposition parties in Westminster – Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Lib Dems, Greens and Change UK – to discuss the options for stopping a no deal Brexit.

The SNP is committed to stopping Brexit because of the damage it would do to Scotland. Scotland never voted for Brexit, but the no deal outcome being pursued by the Tories would disproportionately damage Scottish interests.

Read more: No-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for our daily lives – here’s how

At today’s cross-party meeting, Ian Blackford said the UK Parliament must unite to stop Boris Johnson shutting down democracy to force through a no deal Brexit. All mechanisms to block no deal should be explored, with legislation as a priority.

Scottish independence would best protect Scotland’s interests

Blackford also made it clear that, whatever happened with Brexit, Scotland’s future should be in Scotland’s hands.

Speaking after the cross-party talks, Ian Blackford said: “Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process, our interests have been sidelined, and we have been treated with contempt. Brexit has shown beyond doubt that Scotland will never be treated as an equal partner in the UK.

“It’s now clearer than ever that the only way to properly protect Scotland’s interests is to become an equal and independent European country – and the people of Scotland will get the chance to choose their future in a fresh referendum.”

The SNP signed up to the Church House Declaration

SNP MPs joined other opposition parties today to sign a pledge committing to stopping a no deal Brexit. The Declaration read:

“Shutting down Parliament would be an undemocratic outrage at such a crucial moment for our country, and a historic constitutional crisis.

“Any attempt to prevent Parliament sitting, to force through a no deal Brexit, will be met by strong and widespread democratic resistance.

“We pledge to work together across parties and across our nations to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the people’s voice is able to be heard.”