Sir Keir Starmer shows only way for Scotland to rejoin Europe is with independence
The only way for Scotland to undo the economic damage of Brexit is as a fully independent EU member, according to the Scottish Greens. This comes as Keir Starmer has told a CBI event that a Labour government would not rejoin the single market or customs union.
Scottish Greens external affairs spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said:
“Keir Starmer and the Labour party know how devastating Brexit has been for people and businesses across the UK, but, rather than admit this, they are continuing this pro-Brexit charade as part of a cynical and opportunistic bid to get into Downing Street.
“Brexit was a reckless act of self-sabotage that Scotland voted overwhelmingly against, but has been landed with anyway. It was based on a toxic and disgraceful campaign of racism, lies and misinformation. Keir Starmer knows this. Not that long ago he stood alongside many of us in pointing it out.
“When Starmer ran to be Labour leader he made a series of very public pledges, including one to “defend migrants’ rights” with a specific commitment to “defend free movement as we leave the EU.” That pledge has clearly been cast aside like so many of the other worthless promises he made only two years ago. This is a man and a party who simply should not be trusted.
“Brexit cannot be made to work. It is an inherently damaging idea which has cost jobs, increased prices and taken away the rights we had as European citizens, including the right to live, work and study across our continent. The Labour Party must be honest with the public about the damage caused by Brexit, rather than repeating these Tory soundbites.
“Starmer’s total capitulation means that when it comes to Brexit and the economy, he is offering no real alternative. It is clearer than ever that the only way for Scotland to rejoin the single market and customs union is as a fully independent EU member state.”