Rudderless Tories falling in behind Johnson.
Jackson Carlaw (pictured) has been challenged to join cross-party efforts to protect Scottish jobs by extending the Brexit timetable – instead of trying to protect his own path to the House of Lords.
The Scottish Government this week published analysis highlighting the danger of ending the transition period in the midst of the pandemic.
All opposition parties – except the Tories – backed the Scottish Government’s proposal to extend the Brexit transition period and avoid the prospect of a chaotic No Deal Brexit in the middle of economic upheaval.
Earlier this year Jackson Carlaw said he was a “pragmatist” on the question of extending transition.
The refusal of Jackson Carlaw to now prioritise jobs and economic stability follows harsh criticism of his leadership over the Dominic Cummings scandal.
Under pressure from his party colleagues, Mr Carlaw reversed his initial position in support of Dominic Cummings – with Tory insiders suggesting his refusal to rock the boat was motivated by a desire for a peerage.
Keith Brown MSP said:
“The Tories have more faces than Big Ben.
“Jackson Carlaw, the former Remainer and outspoken opponent of Boris Johnson, has now fallen well and truly into line with Downing Street’s disastrous plan to hammer Scottish jobs.
“Whether you voted Leave or Remain, it’s clear as day that we shouldn’t be pushing ahead with Brexit while facing an unprecedented pandemic.
“Businesses can’t prepare for Brexit and can’t afford the disruption it would cause.
“The UK government has a window in which they can extend the transition period and give the economy some breathing space – but the clock is ticking.
“It’s time for the Tories to join our calls to protect Scottish jobs – instead of looking after their own.”
