(Martin Docherty-Hughes MP’s Speech on the Article 50 Vote)
The SNP have blasted the UK government for “railroading” the EU bill through the Westminster Parliament in a “draconian manner” not seen since 1914.
In a Point of Order to Parliament, the SNP’s International Affairs spokesperson, Alex Salmond MP condemned the UK government for rushing through the bill with little debate, no report stage, no 3rd reading, and for refusing to accept a single amendment – pointing out a bill has not been passed in a similar manner since the Defence of the Realm Act of 1914.
Following the vote, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The UK government’s behaviour on the EU bill has been a disgrace. We have not seen a bill pass under such draconian circumstances for over 100 years – since the emergency powers bill in the First World War.
“The Tories revealed their full contempt for Scotland and for our parliamentary democracy; railroading Article 50 through Westminster with very limited time for debate and refusing to accept a single amendment.
“For this to happen on any bill would be an abuse but on a bill of this magnitude, with such huge constitutional significance. It is nothing short of an outrage.
“Scotland now faces the impending prospect of being dragged out of the EU and thrown over the Tory hard Brexit cliff; despite the Prime Minister claiming she would not trigger Article 50 without an ‘agreed UK-wide approach’.
“While SNP MPs worked hard to make Scotland’s voice heard the UK government refused to listen; rejecting every single amendment proposed by Scotland’s MPs and ignoring the fact that the Scottish Parliament, and 58 of Scotland’s 59 MPs, voted to reject triggering Article 50 under these circumstances.
“Time is running out for the Prime Minister to prove that Scotland is an equal partner by agreeing to the Scottish Government’s compromise proposals to keep Scotland in the Single Market and protect our interests.
“It is not surprising support for independence in Scotland is growing as the UK government chooses to ignore Scotland’s wishes. The time will come for a second Independence Referendum and when it does, constituencies across Scotland will join West Dunbartonshire in voting YES.”