In the early hours of 24 June 2016, Greens and countless others immediately began questioning what the EU referendum result would mean for Scotland.
Yes, we voted overwhelmingly to remain, but would the UK government recognise the “partnership of equals” they proclaimed in 2014 and agree to differentiated options for the UK’s nations? And would the Tories resist delivering a hard Brexit, given the UK-wide result was so close?
Now, almost two and a half years later, we have many of the answers. Unfortunately, not one of them is good news.
Greens could not be clearer; there is no such thing as a good Brexit. The Westminster government could never achieve a deal as favourable as full-EU membership. Why build an international project where membership isn’t as good as being on the outside?
Let’s be clear though, this bad deal and a no-deal exit are not the only options.
The European Court of Justice will soon rule on a case brought my myself, Green colleague Andy Wightman and MP and MEP colleagues from Labour and the SNP, answering one simple question: Can Article 50 be revoked and the Brexit process ended?
The UK Parliament may yet be in the position of voting for this and MPs must know that it is a viable option.
The answer could have profound implications for the future of all of us, making clear that disaster and catastrophe are not the only options.
In the meantime, the Scottish Parliament will have its say, whether Theresa May wants to listen or not. Throughout this process, Scotland’s voice has been ignored, whether it’s been the verdict of our voters, the decisions of our parliament or the representations of our government. Even during the independence referendum the UK government treated Scotland with more respect than during these past two years.
This is a government which has gone as far as challenging in the Supreme Court emergency Holyrood legislation passed by every party bar the Conservatives; legislation we only required to combat their unfolding Brexit disaster and the attack on devolution which it contains.
It’s clear no-one is happy with the deal, but with the exception of Scotland, there is some recognition of the needs or wants of every part of these islands.
The unique and essential requirements of Northern Ireland have been recognised, as have the votes of England and Wales to leave. Scotland is left with the opposite of what we voted for and no recognition of our democratic wishes and the very real economic and social damage this deal will do to us.
This all illustrates a problem no Brexit scenario will solve; in this ‘family of nations’ Scotland’s voice will never be a priority.
Ross Greer is a West of Scotland MSP for the Scottish Greens and the party's external affairs spokesman.
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