SNP sets out plan to 'undo Brexit' if Labour biggest party after next election

Humza Yousaf pointing his finger

The SNP has vowed to 'undo Brexit as far as possible' if the next general election results in a hung Par

PA
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 09/05/2023

- 10:05

Updated: 09/05/2023

- 10:15

The Party warns that it could force Labour to rejoin the single market

The SNP has vowed to "undo Brexit as far as possible" should the next general election result in a hung Parliament.

Following the results from last week's local elections in England, no party would have an overall majority if the same voting pattern repeats at a general election.


Despite some opinion polls suggesting Labour has a 20 point lead over the Tories, the Opposition would likely fail to win a majority according to election analysis, leaving Sir Keir Starmer needing to seek the support of other parties to govern.

The SNP's EU Accession spokesperson, Alyn Smith, said his party would demand the UK has a close relationship with Brussels in any negotiations with a minority Labour Government.

Alyn Smith

Alyn Smith said his party would demand the UK has a close relationship with Brussels

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Smith said the SNP's key demands for the relationship between the UK and the EU would be to secure single market membership and restore free movement.

Labour has ruled out any Brexit reversal, leaving the SNP as one of the only major parties to support rejoining the EU.

Smith said: "Brexit has been a disaster for Scotland and the UK - costing our economy billions, damaging the NHS, and contributing to the cost of living crisis - and there's been a conspiracy of silence on it from Labour and the Tories.

"While independence is the only way for Scotland to regain our EU membership, the SNP could hold the balance of power at the next election.


"And we would use our influence to undo Brexit as far as possible and demand the UK has a close relationship with the EU.

"With all the signs pointing to a hung parliament, the SNP could force a minority Labour government to rejoin the EU single market, reintroduce free movement and transfer power for an independence referendum to Edinburgh.

"So Scotland can regain our place in Europe."

He added: "The SNP would also push for the UK to rejoin Erasmus and Horizon Europe, and defend the European Court of Justice, while ensuring Scotland has the power to escape Brexit entirely with independence.

Keir Starmer smiling

Labour has overtaken the Tories by more than 20 points in some opinion polls

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"At the next election, voting SNP is the only way to beat the Tories in Scotland.

"And a strong team of SNP MPs can get the best deal for Scotland, including powers over an independence referendum, a close relationship with Europe and making the cost of living crisis a key priority."

According to the latest YouGov poll on May 1, the vast majority of Scots - 84 per cent - believe the Tory Government is handling Brexit badly.

Only nine per cent of Scots and 22 per cent of people across the UK told pollsters they believe the Government is handling Brexit well.

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