Highland Council has effectively declared “independence” in defiance of the UK’s European referendum verdict, by pledging its allegiance to the SNP Government’s European ambitions.
The policy-making decision has infuriated politicians on the “Leave” side of the EU debate within the council and further afield.
Councillors meeting yesterday at the local authority’s Inverness headquarters voted 32-24 to back the Scottish Government’s stance above that of the majority UK verdict.
At the climax of a discussion aimed are reassuring the region about future financial stability, council leader Margaret Davidson proposed a motion praising the resilience of Highlanders, emphasising the region was “open for business.”
It pledged to “demonstrate leadership for our communities as we plan for our future.” It also offered an assurance to “all cultures, races and communities that they are valued members of our community.”
Opposition Lochaber SNP councillor Bill Clark added a caveat.
It read: “This council will endorse and support the endeavours of the Scottish Parliament to maintain and protect Highland’s and Scotland’s position within the European Union.”
The full statement was accepted in its entirety with an eight-vote majority.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Clark said: “While I’m delighted with this result, I’m disappointed with those Brexit supporters in the chamber who didn’t open their mouth in the debate.”
Mrs Davidson had stressed a need to show “respect” to the Highland minority outvoted last week.
Mr Clark said his responsibility was to Highland residents and “not the UK.”
Alister (CORRECT) Mackinnon, a senior member of the independent-led council administration, questioned the democracy of the council’s decision saying it “should have been put to members of the public.”
City councillor Jim Crawford described the day’s events as “outrageously undemocratic.”
Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said the council decision “defied the majority.”
He added: “I don’t believe it’s helpful to try to cause further division.”
Council chief executive Steve Barron warned of “consequences from Brexit” while answers “are in short supply.”
Mrs Davidson said Brexit left “unnecessary turmoil” and warned that the 2017-18 budget process would be delayed, leaving the council another year of late decision making.
