Theresa May’s ‘deal’ satisfies no-one: 4 important takeaways for Scotland

Theresa May has agreed to her proposed deal regarding Brexit with the European Union. However, the reality is the supposed ‘deal’ Theresa May has reached satisfies no-one and likely can’t command a majority in the House of Commons.

If the PM’s ‘deal’ satisfies no-one and can’t command a majority, we mustn’t fall for her spin that the UK crashing out of EU without a deal is then inevitable – instead we should take the opportunity to get better options back on the table.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 13, 2018

Here are 4 important takeaways from Theresa May’s deal for Scotland.

1. Theresa May didn’t even share the details with the Scottish Government, despite the fact she shared them with Gibraltar

Scotland was promised that it would be treated as part of a ‘Partnership of Equals’ in 2014, but time after time this UK Conservative government have proven that it was nothing more than a slogan.

📃 Westminster Tories think they can do whatever they want to Scotland and get away with it. The SNP will make sure Scotland’s voice is heard. pic.twitter.com/egA5dDKDPi

— The SNP (@theSNP) November 14, 2018

Theresa May and her government ministers refused to share or discuss the details of the proposed deal with the Scottish Government, despite the fact they had already shared the details with the government of Gibraltar.

2. It is the worst of all possible worlds

The proposed deal would mean that Scotland would be outside of the Single Market but be having to compete with Northern Ireland, who would effectively be remaining within.

Indeed. PM’s approach would take Scotland out of the single market (despite our 62% remain vote) but leave us competing for investment with Northern Ireland that is effectively still in it. https://t.co/o6veQIljoW

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 14, 2018

We already know that leaving the Single Market – which is eight times the size of the UK alone – would have a devastating effect on Scotland’s economy and cost jobs. Leaving the Single Market is not what Scotland voted for and it is wrong that the Scottish Government’s plan for a special deal for Scotland was refused by the UK Government, but agreed for Northern Ireland.

3. Scottish Tories are in lockstep with Theresa May

At the start of the day, Scottish Tories warned the Prime Minister that they would consider voting against her deal. However, but the end of the evening the ‘Cabinet’s man in Scotland’ David Mundell announced he would be backing the deal – regardless of the impact it will cause to Scotland’s economy.

However, this seems to just be in-keeping with the Scottish Tories constant flip-flopping when it come to Brexit.

👇 It’s been over 750 days since the EU Referendum and Ruth Davidson is still flip flopping on Brexit. Here are just a few times. pic.twitter.com/Cjoj5nDWV4

— The SNP (@theSNP) July 26, 2018

4. This must not be a choice between a bad deal and a no deal

It is now more important than ever, that Scotland is not faced with the false choice between a bad deal, cooked up to mend the divisions within the Tory party, or a no deal.

Simply put, the deal on the table from Theresa May would be a bad deal for Scotland, dragging us out of the Single Market and posing a huge threat to jobs, investments and living standards.

SNP MPs will stand up to any recklessness from the UK government and demand a better deal for Scotland and the whole of the UK.

"There is no clarity whatsoever about the future relationship with the EU" – Scotland's First Minister @NicolaSturgeon tells #marr the SNP will vote against #Brexit withdrawal agreement

Follow latest developments: https://t.co/gT2skeTkoe pic.twitter.com/piAFxkUhBY

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) November 18, 2018