Aberdeenshire Council will become the first authority in Scotland to formally discuss another Brexit referendum next week.
Councillor Martin Ford has submitted a motion ahead of next week’s full council meeting which asks fellow councillors to support the campaign to for a referendum on the terms of the Brexit deal, and the option for a further vote to remain in the EU.
The motion submitted by Mr Ford reads: “Brexit is expected to have significant economic and demographic consequences for Aberdeenshire.
“Depending on any terms agreed, there will be loss of access to markets and labour predicted to negatively affect the economy.
“Accordingly, Aberdeenshire Council supports the holding of a further referendum to give the UK public the final say on any terms agreed for Brexit, that referendum to include the option of the UK remaining in the EU.”
Councillors will discuss the motion on Thursday.
A spokesman for the People’s Vote campaign, whose petition has received more than 300,000 signatures, last night said: “Brexit is driving up prices in the shops, making foreign holidays more expensive and threatening jobs and investment. And we haven’t even left yet.
“People’s Vote polling shows voters in Scotland support the public having the final say on any Brexit deal by 48% to 31%, so Aberdeenshire councillors would be standing up for their voters if they back Councillor Ford’s proposal.
“Brexit is a big deal, but it’s not a done deal and it is the people – and not an elite in Westminster – who should decide.”
