I know that people in my constituency are frustrated at Parliament’s failure to deliver the result of the EU referendum. Whether people voted to leave or remain nearly three years ago, what they want now is for us just to get on with it.
I have no doubt that view is shared by people across Scotland.
The Prime Minister has worked tirelessly to negotiate a deal which delivers the result of the referendum.
The deal is a good one.
It will grow our economy, help keep us safe, enable us to strike free trade deals with countries all over the world, and help keep our United Kingdom together.
I don’t pretend the deal is perfect, but in a negotiation there is always compromise.
The key thing about the Prime Minister’s deal is that it would allow the UK to leave the EU in a quick and orderly fashion. It also protects citizens’ rights and puts us on the path to negotiating a close future trading relationship with the EU.
We saw on Wednesday night that there is no agreement in Parliament for a workable way forward.
That means the current alternative to the PM’s deal is a long delay, or no Brexit at all.
I have been clear, as have business leaders across our country, that a no-deal Brexit would be very bad for Scotland and the rest of the UK. That’s why I’m pleased it has been so comprehensively rejected by Parliament.
There are those who want the Brexit process to be chaotic because that serves their political aims. Labour want a general election while the SNP’s true goal is a second independence referendum. I would urge them to set aside their party priorities and work in the country’s best interests.
It is perfectly legitimate for MPs to raise concerns.
But they need to realise that if they want to deliver Brexit in a reasonable timescale, if they want to avoid a chaotic no deal, the best way to do so is to vote for the deal.
In making clear she would step aside before the next stage of the Brexit negotiations, the Prime Minister has again made clear her strong sense of duty and commitment to public service. She remains determined to secure our departure from the EU on an orderly basis, and she continues to have my full support in doing so.
The Prime Minister has put the national interest ahead of personal interest. My plea to my fellow MPs is to do the same.
Listen to the views of your constituents, and to businesses across Scotland. Respect the result of the referendum and deliver an orderly Brexit.
- David Mundell is Secretary of State for Scotland.
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