No Deal Papers

Over the summer the Government has been releasing so called “no-deal technical notices”. These explain to individuals and businesses what will happen in the event that no-deal can be negotiated between the EU and UK and they make for grim reading. The notices cover a whole host of policy areas such as financial services, aviation, road haulage and credit charges.

You can view the notices here.

The notices lay out extra bureaucracy that businesses will have to go through. For instance one report suggests exporters “should consider whether it is appropriate for them to acquire software and/or engage a customs broker, freight forwarder or logistics provider to support them with these new requirements”.

It is no wonder that more and more businesses, like Jaguar Land Rover, are coming out against this approach. Indeed, a recent British Chamber of Commerce survey found that 25% of companies which import and export goods would cut investment and jobs in the event of a no-deal.

It is not just businesses that are affected by a no-deal Brexit. The Government have just appointed a food supplies minister to oversee the stockpiling of food and there has been widespread fears that medicines could also be in short supply.

This is why I believe we need a People’s Vote on whatever offer is on the table. People have the right to look at the chaos and instruct the Government accordingly. People did not vote for job losses and food shortages.

You can watch me discuss the no-deal papers on BBC News below.

Labour Party Conference

My local party was one of 150 that submitted motions to Labour Party Conference calling for a change of policy on a People’s Vote.

Before conference I wrote for the Scotsman on why the Labour Party need to listen to members and back a People’s Vote. You can read the article here.

The motion, which was eventually passed at conference reads:

“If we cannot get a general election, Labour must support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote.

“If the government is confident in negotiating a deal that working people, our economy and communities will benefit from, they should not be afraid to put that deal to the public.”

This is significant progress and I am pleased the leadership have vowed to keep a People’s Vote on the table. Of course the Labour Party would prefer a General Election however this is not likely. The Fixed Term Parliament Act requires 2/3rds of MP to vote for an election and it is highly unlikely the Conservatives and the DUP will want an election which they are unlikely to win.

After the conference vote I spoke to BBC Good Morning Scotland on the progress made. You can listen here.

We are now entering a crucial period in the Brexit process. As a founding member of the People’s Vote campaign I will continue to fight for the jobs and livelihoods of my constituents by opposing a hard Brexit and calling for the public to have their say in this process. However, if we have to leave the European Union I will continue to promote the Single Market and the Customs Union as the least worst option.

For more information on the important dates please see the timetable outlined in this House of Commons Library briefing.