Into the Unknown

'THE last two weeks at Westminster have been dominated by the “Article 50” Bill: Basically, the shortest bill in history…the substance of it is a mere one sentence…which gives the Prime Minister exclusive power to launch negotiations into the UK coming out of the European Union. It was supported by the Tories and by Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour MPs.

The SNP laid down 50 amendments ranging from giving protection to the rights of European citizens living in Scotland, to having to take account of the views of the Scottish Parliament. But every amendment was dismissed. Worse, the Deputy Speaker refused to allow us to put key amendments to the vote, and indeed even when discussing amendments specific to Scotland, refused to give SNP MPs the same rights to speak as Tory or Labour MPs. Truly Westminster is a closed shop. Given the way Westminster works, I had to bob up and down for eleven hours before I was given the right to speak at a quarter to midnight and restricted to only 4 minutes. This is not a way to run a country.

Leaving aside the bizarre world of Westminster, the most worrying thing is the lack of competence in Government and lack of a clear vision, as to what leaving the EU means. The Tory Government are clear that, in addition to leaving the EU institutions, it also means leaving the single market which helps businesses trade freely in Europe, leaving the Customs Union, leaving the range of legal institutions which guarantee human rights, and leaving international bodies which oversee standards and agreements related to different industrial sectors.

Last week I was speaking with a senior legal official connected to the World Trade Organisation and also to one of the most experienced trade negotiators in Europe. Both were aghast at the lack of understanding amongst Government Ministers about what is about to unfold. The Government completely misunderstands the nature of the many lines of negotiations that will have to be pursued in parallel, and are completely cavalier with everything from the needs of business to human rights.

In these circumstances, it is intolerable that the UK Government have still not responded to detailed proposals from the Scottish Government that would see Scotland at least remain in the single market and protect a range of other Scottish needs. This is an issue myself and my colleagues will be continuing to pursue in the days ahead.

Next Tuesday, in a break from discussing EU matters, I will be leading a debate during the Criminal Finances Bill, on my campaign to get changes to the way in which some types of firms are allowed to operate while hiding their true, criminal purposes.

As readers will no doubt be aware, London is now the biggest city in the world for the holding of criminal money and assets. The sums are counted in £billions. Myself and my colleagues are trying to get things cleaned up, so watch this space for future comment'.