Dugdale: Brexit just as bad as independence

26 Apr 2017

Labour’s leader in Scotland has been again criticised for her weakness on Scotland’s place in the UK, after saying Brexit was just as bad as independence.

Speaking at the STUC conference in Aviemore, Kezia Dugdale compared the two scenarios, even though Scotland’s trade with the rest of the UK is four times greater than with the EU.

She said: “Threatening to walk away from the EU without a deal is no worse than Nicola Sturgeon’s threat to walk away from the UK with independence.”

It’s the latest indication that Labour are prepared to sell-out pro-UK Scots in a post-election deal with the SNP.

Last week, sources within Labour said they wanted a “progressive alliance” with the nationalists to keep the Conservatives out of Downing Street.

And just days ago, it was revealed that two SNP MPs stated they needed such a pact with Labour to act as a “midwife” for independence.

Scottish Conservative candidate for Edinburgh South West Miles Briggs said:

“This shows you exactly where Kezia Dugdale’s priorities lie.

“For her to say Brexit – which was backed by more than a million Scots – would be as bad as the SNP’s break-up plan is beyond belief.

“Scotland’s relationship with the rest of Britain is four times more important than its trading links with Europe.

“Scots want to move on and make the best of Brexit, with Scotland remaining as a key part of the UK.

“Instead, Labour want to continue moaning from the sidelines, revealing they have no interest in standing up for Scotland’s place in the UK in the process.”

Kezia Dugdale was speaking at the STUC conference in Aviemore today.

Earlier this week, two SNP MPs wrote an alliance with Labour would act as a “midwife” for independence:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/04/snp-says-it-wants-corbyn-alliance-to-act-as-midwife-for-independence/

Before that, Labour sources agreed they were pursuing a post-election pact with the SNP:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/04/reports-state-labour-will-pursue-election-deal-with-snp/