THE Scottish Government has sent a clear signal that it favours the UK participating in the upcoming European elections if Brexit is delayed.
Prime Minister Theresa May warned MPs last week that a lengthy delay would “undoubtedly require” voters going to the polls to elect MEPs.
However, in a statement to this newspaper, Nicola Sturgeon’s Government said it was “confident” elections could be delivered in Scotland and such an outcome is “preferable” to May’s Brexit plan.
The Prime Minister faces a pivotal week in the House of Commons as she tries to persuade MPs for the third time to support the draft withdrawal agreement she negotiated with the EU.
- Paul Hutcheon: Brexit is a tragic plot line in a Tory soap opera
Her plan has been rejected twice, but Tory sources believe progress has been made in winning over doubters in the Conservatives and in Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist party.
If approved, May’s Government will seek a temporary extension to the Article 50 process, which would allow the UK to leave the European Union in the summer.
However, if the deal is declined, a much lengthier delay would likely be sought, which could ultimately lead to a softer Brexit or a second referendum.
Another complication is that a delay could overlap with the European elections, which are scheduled for May.
The UK was expected to leave the EU at the end of this month, and thus no longer have to send MEPs to Brussels, but an Article 50 extension could necessitate UK-wide participation.
Pro-Brexit Tories do not want to have to contest another election for the Brussels parliament, and May last week used this prospect as leverage with Conservative MPs who oppose her plan:
“Such an extension would undoubtedly require the United Kingdom to hold European Parliament elections in May 2019. I do not think that that would be the right outcome, but the House needs to face up to the consequences of the decisions that it has taken.”
The SNP Government, however, which supports a so-called People’s Vote, is sympathetic to the European elections taking place.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is calling for the Article 50 EU withdrawal process to be extended for as long as it takes to enable a second referendum on EU membership to be held.
“In those circumstances, discussions would have to take place with the EU regarding elections for the European Parliament taking place in the UK – and we are confident this could be delivered across Scotland.
“Holding an election, if that was necessary, would clearly be preferable to Scotland being forced out of the EU under the damaging terms of the Prime Minister’s deal or the catastrophe of a ‘no deal’ outcome.”
An SNP insider said the party would contest any poll on an anti-Brexit platform and reflect the views of the majority of people north of the border.
It is understood the SNP’s governing national executive committee has taken steps present a list of candidates, should an election take place.
Keith Brown, the SNP’s depute leader, said: "Theresa May has made such a hash of Brexit, we started preparations in January. So we’re all fired up, ready to go."
The Scottish Liberal Democrats, another anti-Brexit party, are also in a position to pick candidates if an election arises.
Scottish Labour are waiting to see if Article 50 is extended before making a decision, while a spokesperson for the Scottish Tories said their “expectation” is that May’s deal will pass, and so no preparations are being made.
Documents circulating among EU ambassadors state the bloc would terminate the UK's membership on July 1st if it has not taken part in European Parliament elections.
The draft paper makes clear Britain has to take part in the elections if it wants an extension of more than three months.
Meanwhile, May is continuing her efforts to salvage her Brexit deal amid further signs of pressure on her position.
Further talks are expected over the coming days with the DUP in the hope that persuading the 10 Northern Irish MPs to back the deal will help sway scores of Tory Eurosceptics to fall into line.
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said lengthy talks on Friday with senior ministers including Chancellor Philip Hammond were "constructive" and there was a "renewed focus" from the Government on addressing their concerns.
Dodds said: "We have had a constructive dialogue. Those discussions will continue over the coming period of time."
Former Cabinet minister Esther McVey suggested fellow Brexiteers could back May's "rubbish" deal next week to make sure the UK leaves the EU.
She told the BBC: "The element now is that people will have to take a bad deal rather than no deal."
It has also emerged that senior Tory MP Nick Boles has quit his local Conservative Association in the face of efforts to deselect him as the candidate for the next election amid rows over Brexit.
- Paul Hutcheon: Brexit is a tragic plot line in a Tory soap opera
The former minister, who supports a soft Brexit, told members of Grantham and Stamford Conservative Association he was resigning "with immediate effect" but will continue to "take the Conservative whip at Westminster if it is offered "on acceptable terms", according to a letter.
Councillor Martin Hill, vice president of the Grantham and Stamford Conservative Association, told members: "As you are all aware, Nick has been at odds with the local party and the Prime Minister for some time, so this announcement does not come as a complete surprise, but the timing does leave at lot to be desired.
Chief Whip Julian Smith said Mr Boles "is a valued member of the Conservative Parliamentary party which I hope will continue to benefit from his ideas and drive".
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