Dugdale goes on the offensive against Davidson on failure to defend EU nationals
SCOTTISH LABOUR has demanded that Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Tories guarantee the rights of EU nationals living and working in the UK.
Party leader Kezia Dugdale, emerged from last week’s bruising local elections to make the demand. Labour suffered historic defeats on both sides of the border, losing seats across Scotland, England and Wales.
Campaigning in Edinburgh in an attempt to safeguard the seat of Labour’s only Scottish MP, Ian Murray, Dugdale used Europe day (Tuesday 9 May) to launch a challenge to the Tories on their failure to stand up for EU nationals left stranded by the hard Brexit negotiation stance of UK Prime Minister Theresa May. EU nationals living in the UK have yet to have their right to stay guaranteed.
“The Tories have used people like poker chips since the EU referendum. It’s sickening, it’s wrong and it needs to stop.” Kezia Dugdale
The UK and Scottish Tories have failed to answer or address the question of whether any more security could be given to EU nationals, despite requests for comment from CommonSpace.
Last week also saw the UK Government accuse EU leaders of attempting to influence the UK General Election, which is due to be held on 8 June.
Kezia Dugdale said: “The Tories have used people like poker chips since the EU referendum. It’s sickening, it’s wrong and it needs to stop.
“Labour’s manifesto will guarantee the rights of EU nationals. This goes to the very heart about who we are as a country. There are over 180,000 EU nationals currently living and working in Scotland and they make a rich contribution to our society and economy.
When all 32 councils were declared, the Tories finished on 276 seat, with Labour has slumping down to 262
“In Edinburgh, EU nationals are vital to our capital’s economy, and Ian Murray will always fight for their rights in Edinburgh South.
“Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Tories need to match Labour’s commitment and guarantee beyond doubt that EU nationals will be able to continue to live and work in Scotland after we leave the EU.”
In Murray’s seat in Edinburgh South, both Labour and the SNP are keen to advertise their pro-European credentials in a city that voted overwhelmingly to remain in the bloc.
“Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Tories need to match Labour’s commitment and guarantee beyond doubt that EU nationals will be able to continue to live and work in Scotland after we leave the EU.” Kezia Dugdale
Davidson’s party has come under scrutiny from the SNP for what they claim is the courting of Ukip voters in England and Wales, as well as the comments of some councillors accused of inflammatory rhetoric.
In the council elections, the SNP replaced Labour as the largest party in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as in North Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire, where Labour had won majorities in 2012. Labour also faced a blow from the loss of Glasgow City Council, it’s centre of power in local government for over 40 years.
When all 32 councils were declared, the Tories finished on 276 seats and Labour had slumped down to 262, meaning Davidson’s party had replaced Labour as the second largest party across the country.
Picture courtesy of YouTube
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