A Week in Parliament

Just like most people, I am sick of the ongoing Brexit process. However, I still have the firm view that I shouldn’t be voting for Boris Johnson’s so called deal, just to “get it done”. It will harm Scotland’s economy as reconfirmed by the Fraser of Allander Institute. While some business organisations say signing up will create certainty, it doesn’t do anything other than moving into a small transition phase.

His deal could have been outright rejected by Parliament in favour of an extension, but a total of 19 Labour MPs supported the second reading of the bill. While they then voted against the programme of the detailed aspect of the bill, it is confirmation that there are swathes of Labour MPs who want any form of a Brexit deal. They argue they represent Leave voting areas, so I accept that is more difficult. However, when the Labour Leader, Corbyn, and Brexit Spokesperson, Keir Starmer deliver speeches outlining how bad the so called deal is, then that position of voting for it becomes more untenable.

Now Johnson is trying for a general election again. No-one trusts him, but all opposition parties did say if an extension is granted that he cannot circumnavigate then there should be one. It is also difficult to keep pointing out how much of a liar Johnson is, how untrustworthy he is, and yet keep him in power. Yet, this seems to be Labour’s position. From calling for a general election as recently as the end of September, it appears they are unwilling to go for one. The reasons are clear – they fear one. Labour MPs openly tell you at Westminster that they will not go for a general election at this stage. So, we have an official opposition who think their position is so bad they will not take the chance to form the next government. Yet in 2017, Labour did much better than predicted, so why not try and improve on that?

The SNP have been working with opposition parties to try to secure a general election, in line with having an extension granted. This at least ticks the boxes of trying to remove Johnson while preventing him having a no deal crash out. If the Tories don’t accept this proposal (or ones similar if Labour change position) then it would seem Johnson really has ulterior motives.

There is no doubt that Johnson wants to go into a general election with the Withdrawal Agreement signed off in Parliament. The only way he can get it through Parliament? Labour MPs supporting the Tories again. That scenario is easily avoided by not voting the withdrawal agreement through. This is why Labour are also arguing that more time is needed to debate a 110 page bill. There is no doubt that is also factually correct, but it seems to be a way of staving off the ultimate position whereby Labour will help the Tories deliver Brexit. I at least look forward to debating that when an election is called.