In a major speech on Monday, First Minister and SNP Leader John Swinney will say that Brexit highlights “the reality of this unequal union” – and will ask people in Scotland to vote SNP on 4th July for Scotland’s future to be in the European Union.
Speaking in Aberdeen on the anniversary of the result of the EU referendum, Mr Swinney will say that this moment extinguished the myth of the ‘union of equals’ for many people across Scotland – and demonstrated a “know your place” attitude towards Scotland from the Westminster parties.
John Swinney is expected to say:
“The result of the Brexit referendum and its fall-out wasn’t just about our relationship with Europe.
“It told us something fundamental about the United Kingdom too.
“It demonstrated that the UK is not a partnership of equal nations.
“The fact that Scotland voted to remain ultimately mattered not one jot to Westminster.
“That’s not equality – it’s a “know your place” attitude.
“And the way Scotland is being treated over Brexit is symptomatic of a wider “Westminster knows best” union, whatever the cost to Scotland.
“While yesterday was the anniversary of the Brexit vote, today is the anniversary of people in Scotland waking up to the new reality.
“The reality not just that we were about to be dragged out of the EU against our will.
“But the reality that Scotland’s voice simply does not matter to the Westminster establishment.
“The myth of the union of equals was extinguished for so many people across Scotland on this day 8 years ago.
“And while some time may have passed – nothing has changed.
“Scotland’s voice is still ignored and our democratic choices are still disrespected.
“We see Westminster politicians take campaign trips north of the border to dismiss the very idea that Scotland can have real, genuine influence at Westminster.
“That is the reality of this unequal Union.
“It is a reality that was made clear on this day eight years ago – and it is a reality that Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer are reinforcing every single day of this campaign.
“So I am asking people to vote SNP if you believe it is best for Scotland’s future to be back in the European Union.
“I am asking you to vote SNP if you believe that decisions about Scotland should be taken in Scotland.
“I am asking you to vote SNP to put Scotland’s interests first.”
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
