Get behind deal, Ross urges SNP
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PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has urged MPs to "get this excellent deal over the line" after agreement was reached in Brussels.
A Brexit deal described as "fair" by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has been negotiated between the UK and EU and will be put to MPs at a special sitting of Parliament on Saturday.
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross has urged the SNP to get behind the deal.
Mr Ross said: "Many observers stated the prime minister could never secure a new deal with the EU, but he has now proven them wrong. He has re-negotiated a deal that gets rid of the undemocratic backstop, takes us out of the Common Fisheries Policy and allows us to make our own trade deals while respecting the result of the referendum when the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016.
"Those who underestimated the prime minister and his determination to get a deal have been proven wrong and the further news that the EU will not allow an extension beyond October 31 makes it very clear that on Saturday, MPs will vote to either leave the EU in an orderly manner or leave with no deal.
"I will be supporting the deal the PM has brought back and I now hope the SNP will be true to their word and support the deal as the EU have made it crystal clear that it is the deal that has been negotiated or it’s no deal."
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "The deal the prime minister has negotiated with the EU is great news for Scotland and the whole of the UK.
"This deal allows us to get Brexit sorted, and leave the EU in two weeks’ time as one United Kingdom.
"It is a real Brexit which ensures we take back control. For Scottish fishermen, this means taking back control of our fishing waters and freeing them from the hated Common Fisheries Policy. For Scotland’s farmers, we will create a new a system of support to help them prosper outside of the Common Agricultural Policy.
"We will no longer be bound by EU laws, and the Scottish Parliament will receive a raft of new powers as they return to the UK from Brussels. We will be able to strike our own trade deals around the world, opening up huge opportunities for businesses across Scotland.
"It is now time for Scottish MPs from all parties to vote for the prime minister’s deal and deliver the result of the referendum. It is time to put the national interest above political opportunism. If MPs do not vote for a deal then they are voting for no deal – and will have to explain that to their constituents.
"Outside of the EU, Scotland and the whole of the UK will thrive. We have a bright future as a country. People now expect their elected representatives to do their duty to deliver that."
