Moray MSP and MP in Brexit war of words
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MORAY'S parliamentarians have exchanged a war of words over Brexit.
SNP MSP Richard Lochhead called on Douglas Ross to explain his "reckless and irresponsible" voting record on the issue.
The row erupted after the Commons failed to agree on proposals for the next steps during a series of indicative votes, held on Monday.
Mr Lochhead accused the Scottish Conservative MP of going against the interests of local communities by voting against proposals to compromise, taking the country closer to a no deal scenario.
The SNP MSP said: "Not only did Douglas Ross fail to vote against a no deal Brexit last week, but he has now voted against all of the options to compromise – taking us to the brink of leaving the EU without a deal. Our Conservative MP is lining up with far-right Brexiteers to vote against Moray’s interests and we’re now just days away from leaving the EU with no deal agreed.
"Both Remain and Leave voters I have spoken to in Moray are appalled by Mr Ross’s damaging voting record on Brexit. The UK Government’s chaotic handling of the issues has already cost local businesses in Moray a fortune and nearly three years on from the referendum there is still no clarity about what the future holds.
"We should be under no illusions – local jobs and our economy are at serious risk and Mr Ross’ voting record is simply reckless and irresponsible. Moray will be one of the worst areas hit if we leave the EU without a deal – particularly given the size of our food and drink sector and our export based industries.
"Key industry experts including the NFUS and Food and Drink Scotland have urged MPs to do what they can to avoid a no deal scenario, describing it as potentially catastrophic."
Mr Ross responded to what he called an astonishing outburst from the MSP, which he said showed a "worrying lack of understanding".
The Scottish Conservative MP said: "He criticises me for failing to support a compromise when his own SNP colleagues sat on their hands and refused to vote on one such compromise, the motion on the customs union.
"It’s absolutely galling for Richard Lochhead to mention key industry experts such as NFUS when the National Farmer’s Union have urged all MPs to support the PM’s Brexit deal, which is what I have done but the SNP refuse to do.
"I now realise this deal is the only way we can have an orderly exit from the EU yet SNP MPs refuse to support it and instead agitate for Nicola Sturgeon’s obsession of another independence referendum.
"I voted against all the options put forward on Monday night as the amendments selected by the Speaker, were sub-standard to the Prime Minister’s deal.
"I’ve spoken to Leave and Remain voters across Moray who are appalled at the SNP’s reckless stance on this issue and the fact that Richard Lochhead doesn’t want a resolution to Brexit.
"He and his colleagues, simply want to agitate for another Scottish Independence referendum."
