Was it worth it? Left-wing Scottish alliance vote against Brexit – but it’s MEANINGLESS

The meaningless vote in Holyrood was branded as an attempt by the SNP and Nicola Sturgeon “to manufacture a grievance out of nothing” to get another independence referendum.

The vote has no weight after a Supreme Court ruling said MSPs have no right to veto Brexit or block Article 50 from being triggered.

However, after almost three hours of debate the SNP was joined by Scottish Labour, the Lib Dems and Greens to reject the majority view of the British people with their motion winning by 90 votes to 34.

But three rebel Labour MSPs joined the Tories in standing up for respecting the historic referendum result as the SNP was mocked for its futile motion.

Tory deputy Scottish leader Jackson Carlaw said: “SNP this afternoon we have had an extended tantrum, chasing a grievance to justify all over again a further independence referendum and all of this because it disguises the abject failure of this Scottish Government on the responsibilities over which it has control.”

Tory MSP John Lamont said: “The Scottish Government’s default point is to try to manufacture a grievance out of nothing.

“Despite the rhetoric from the Scottish Government, the reality is there is plenty of opportunity to engage in the process of the UK leaving the EU.”

He pointed to meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee – which brings together the UK Government and the devolved assemblies – and to the fact that Theresa May’s first visit after entering Downing Street was to see Ms Sturgeon in Edinburgh.

“It is clear that the Prime Minister has tried to give the Scottish Government every opportunity to engage in this process,” he said.

“I can see no compromise in the SNP’s positions, they are obsessed with stocking up the politics of grievance and their agenda for independence and nothing else.

“Instead of constantly trying to undermine the process, the Scottish Government really should get on with the job of getting the best deal for Scotland. Their current grandstanding is putting that at risk.”