Scots constituency hailed as 'most pro-EU' across Britain

A Scottish constituency has been hailed as "Britain's most pro-EU" area after almost 700 residents signed a Westminster petition demanding a Brexit extension.

Speaker's Corner at the foot of Leith Walk

The Edinburgh North and Leith constituency has helped drive backing for the petition above the 100,000 mark which means MPs must now consider debating the issue.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today meets EU leaders today after having ruled out a Brexit extension when the current transition period expires at the end of the year.

Scotland’s leading pro-EU campaign organisation, the European Movement in Scotland (EMis) has added its voice to calls for a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period.

David Clarke, Vice-Chair of the European Movement in Scotland said: "So far, Boris Johnson has adamantly rejected any extension, but he now faces a full-scale Westminster debate after a petition demanding an extension while the ravages of Covid-19 continue passed the 100,000 barrier set by the Commons.

"It is great to see a Scottish constituency, Edinburgh North & Leith, cementing its role as Britain's most pro-EU constituency.”

The constituency is represented by the SNP’s Deidre Brock. It had 696 signatories backing the petition by Monday lunchtime, more than any other UK constituency.

Mr Clarke also warned that ending the transition period as planned at the end of this year would see "enormous damage" to the UK economy under a poor Brexit deal or even no deal.

“If it is to be anything short of an economic catastrophe, the matter of negotiating a good trading deal with the EU should be set to one side until it can be given the serious attention that it clearly now requires," he added.

"We are urging the Prime Minister to propose a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period.

“Such an extension is vital if the UK is not to suffer an even more grievous body-blow to our economy and society from Brexit, on top of the pandemic.”

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