Scottish First Minister and the leader of the Scottish National party, Nicola Sturgeon, published an essay titled ‘Britain deserves a better Brexit than the one May is offering’ on The Guardian. Below are some key takeaways from the article.
- There is almost certainly no Commons majority for May’s proposed deal – and there is most definitely no parliamentary backing for no-deal.
- While there is not yet a finalised alternative to the prime minister’s plan, there is now an emerging cross-party consensus that can lead to a much better outcome.
- Continued, permanent membership of both the single market and customs union is one such alternative proposal that could well command majority support in the Commons.
- My first preference, of course, along with that of my government and party, is for us to remain in the European Union, which is what the people of Scotland voted for overwhelmingly.
- That could still be achieved by a so-called people’s vote.
- From a Scottish perspective, one thing above all else is clear amid the Brexit chaos – that is, the cost to Scotland of not being independent.
- Scotland has been treated with nothing but contempt by the UK government.