[ad_1]
Author's right of the image
Pennsylvania
Scottish Brexit Minister Mike Russell is to update the PSM on preparations for the "worst case scenario" for the UK to leave the EU without agreement.
The Brexiteer deputies warned Theresa May that they were not willing to support her plans, fearing an exit without agreement.
Mr. Russell will tell PSM that the plan developed by Ms. May's team at Checkers is "in no way acceptable".
He will instead repeat the Scottish Government's argument that the UK should remain in the EU's single market.
Scottish conservatives said Russell's speech was aimed at "stirring up division in the hope that it has strengthened support for Scottish independence".
- Follow the statement on Holyrood Live from 2:20 pm
MPs and MSPs have returned from the summer holidays at a crucial moment in the Brexit process, as Mrs May tries to sell her vision of Brexit to European leaders and her own conservative party.
Former Brexit Minister Steve Baker told the BBC on Monday that up to 80 eurosceptic MEPs were ready to rebel against the prime minister's plans, warning of a "disastrous separation" within the party.
The No. 10 says his plan is the "only one on the table" that can deliver the Brexit while avoiding a tough border on the island of Ireland.
Author's right of the image
Pennsylvania
Mike Russell to update MSP on Brexit preparations
On Tuesday, Mr. Russell will tell MSP that there is no easy choice between Ms. May's plans and no agreement.
He will say, "The Conservatives want to force people to choose between the disaster of a hard Brexit outside the single market and the disaster of a Brexit without a transaction.
"It's an absolutely wrong choice – and no one should be fooled into thinking that it makes Checkers acceptable."
"We will continue to vigorously defend membership in the single European market – which is about eight times larger than the UK market alone – and in the customs union."
Russell will urge the Conservatives to "immediately rule out a non-transaction outcome," but added that the Scottish government is "doing the responsible thing by ensuring that we have plans in case we face this worst case scenario."
"Stoking division"
Opposition MPs will have the opportunity to question Mr. Russell following his statement in Holyrood's chamber.
Scottish Conservatives said the speech had nothing to do with the well-being of the Scottish people or economy after we left the EU.
Constitution spokesman Adam Tomkins said: "Mike Russell's remarks are aimed at stirring up division in the hope that it strengthens support for Scottish independence.
"It's a cheeky and narrow tactic that the SNP has already paid the price in elections.The Scots are fed up with this game, and the government would prefer that the SNP government succeed in doing Brexit."
The Scottish and British governments have long disagreed on Brexit, with the Supreme Court currently considering whether Holyrood should be allowed to legislate on the matter.
