The MP for Stirling has told Brig he believes that allowing a People’s Vote, or ‘second referendum’ would create a precedent for a second independence referendum.
Stephen Kerr, Conservative MP for Stirling has condemned the movement calling for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.
He told Brig that granting ‘a second referendum’ would strengthen the SNP’s claims for holding a second referendum on independence. Instead Kerr has urged people to respect the outcome of the 2016 EU referendum.
He said: “Calling a second referendum on the EU sets a precedent that unavoidably leads to a second referendum on independence. This means we would be pushed through two more divisive and destructive referendums.
33.5 million people voted in the EU referendum for 2016, every single one expecting the result to be honoured. If parliament sends the message that the vote will be overturned, tens of millions of people will find themselves disenfranchised. The response to this from the electorate will be mass apathy at best, or mass support for populists at worst. Mainstream politics will be permanently disrupted.
The campaign for a People’s Vote has been increasing as the Brexit deadline draws closer. The issue has become divisive among high-profile politicians as the course of action for leaving the EU is determined.
Advocates for a People’s Vote stress that a People’s Vote would give the people the ability to vote on the final Brexit deal. In Brig’s last edition, Stirling’s anti-Brexit group said that the Brexit landscape is still “shrouded in a fog of uncertainty” and therefore a public vote is crucial.
However, the Prime Minister has expressed on numerous occasions that a People’s Vote is not on the cards as the public have already voted to leave the EU.
Since being elected in 2017, Stephen Kerr, Conservative MP for Stirling, has being a strong ally to Theresa May in the support of Brexit. In an interview with Brig, Kerr highlighted the importance of backing the Prime Minister’s deal.
“Parliament needs to support the Prime Minister’s deal as any other result would have serious repercussions for our country”, he said. “No Deal for leaving the EU would cause massive disruption and denies us the chance of a two-year transition period, which is designed to give us all time to adapt to life outside of the EU.”
Kerr was elected following the 2017 snap election, where he defeated the SNP’s Steven Paterson by securing a majority of just 148 votes.
The victory witnessed the constituency’s first Conservative MP since 1992.
After his triumph in the election, Kerr told Brig he would value co-operation with his SNP, Labour and Liberal Democrat counterparts in order to get the job done. While at Westminster, this is a goal Kerr holds in high regard.
He said: “I particularly enjoy cross-party initiatives such as all-party Parliamentary groups (APPGs). I’m heavily involved with several including the APPG for Freedom of Religion and Belief, prevention of sexual violence in conflict and whistleblowing.
The co-operation between people from all different parties means we have a wide variety of opinions and specialities all pulling in the same direction. It’s incredibly effective.
Being a part of Westminster and representing his constituents is something Kerr describes as a “huge privilege”.
As a former business student at the university, Kerr has vowed to use his extensive experience in the industry to support the local community. With over 30 years in business, Kerr has aims to prioritise issues such as the Stirling City Regional Deal and supporting local business during his tenure as MP.
In April last year, Kerr submitted his first 10-minute rule bill in parliament, which aims to crack down on nuisance phone calls.
The bill was submitted with the support of over 100 MPs and is set to receive backing from the government. His proposal would mean tougher penalties on those responsible.
A second reading is due in the House of Commons on January 25.
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