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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Irvine Herald

Brexit: Thousands of Ayrshire signatures call for Theresa May to stop EU withdrawal process

More than 11,000 local people have signed an anti-Brexit petition calling for Article 50 to be revoked.

The online petition, which is urging the government to stop the EU withdrawal process, has already attracted more than five million votes across the UK.

More than 5500 people in Central Ayrshire have signed the petition, while the number tops more than 6000 in North Ayrshire and Arran.

Because the petition has exceeded the 100,000 mark parliament will consider debating the issue, while the government has to respond to petitions of more than 10,000 signatures.

Dr Philippa Whitford MP for Central Ayrshire said: “The unprecedented support for this petition shows the growing frustration with the Prime Minister’s chaotic Brexit.

“While I don’t begrudge Northern Ireland its special arrangements, no recognition or allowance has been made for Scotland’s ‘Remain’ vote, nor the comparative disadvantage the Prime Minister’s deal would create for Scottish businesses.

“The UK Government’s restrictive immigration plans, which will make it harder for EU Citizens to settle in Scotland, would be disastrous for our public services and communities.

The people of Central Ayrshire and Scotland voted clearly to remain in the EU and my job is to speak up for their views and interests.”

Dr Whitford’s SNP colleague in North Ayrshire, Patricia Gibson MP, added: “I expect the number of signatures on this petition to continue to rise. The record-breaking numbers signing this petition is a reflection of the fact that people across the UK, regardless of how they voted in the EU referendum, are frustrated and deeply concerned that the UK Government is heading for a No Deal outcome. We now face crashing out with no deal which will be a disaster for Scotland and the whole of the UK.

“We have witnessed an unprecedented level of incompetence which has undoubtedly damaged the reputation of the UK in Europe and elsewhere.

“The calls for Article 50 to be revoked are getting louder and are borne of deep frustration. It is time for the Prime Minister to listen to parliament and work with MPs to avoid the false choice between her doomed deal and a devastating no deal.”

Prime Minister Theresa May has tried and failed twice to get her Brexit deal though parliament and last week secured a delay giving her an extra two weeks to get the deal passed.

If she fails for a third time to have her deal passed, she will need to go back to EU leaders to propose a new way forward by April 12.

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