MSP Gil votes to give Scotland a choice between Tory hard Brexit or self-governance

MSP Gil Paterson has voted for an independence referendum – saying it would be a “democratic outrage” to deny Scotland a choice between Brexit Britain or self-governance.

It follows the vote on Tuesday, March 28 when the Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly backed a referendum on Scotland’s membership of the UK.

Mr Paterson, the MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “Scotland’s parliament has spoken – the electorate must be allowed to choose between decades of Tory rule in an independent Britain or Scotland being allowed to fully govern itself.

“Two futures lie ahead of the people of Scotland, and it is far too important for a small group of politicians in London, who none of us elected, to decide on.

“The consequences of Brexit on Scotland could be devastating to our economy and society and to ignore the Scottish population would be a democratic outrage.

“The people of Scotland must have a choice on these significant and profound changes on their way.

“As for timing, once the terms of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union are announced, it is only reasonable for people to then make a choice.”

ENDS
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Notes to reporter
By Alan Ferguson (07342 061722/alan.ferguson@parliament.scot)