Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has backed the UK-EU trade deal in a House of Commons vote today (Wednesday).
MPs passed the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill at its second reading by 521 to 73.
The Prime Minister announced on Christmas Eve that the UK and the EU had struck an agreement to ensure “zero tariff and zero quota” trade from January 1.
Boris Johnson said today that approval of the deal would open “a new chapter in our national story”.
Scottish Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan David Duguid said:
“This trade deal delivers on the Conservative manifesto commitments made at the 2019 general election to take back control of our laws, borders, money, trade, and fishing waters.
“It provides certainty for Scottish businesses, secures zero tariff and zero quota trade with the EU, and avoids a no deal outcome.
“That is particularly important for the farming sector – and the agreement has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union for Scotland.
“This deal also delivers on our pledge to take our fishermen out of the Common Fisheries Policy, which means we can set our own rules that all vessels must follow, no matter where they come from.
“I know there are genuine concerns about the detail of the fisheries agreement, but I have been working closely with industry representatives and government officials in recent days to address the issues that have been raised.
"I believe this deal is a step in the right direction for our fishing sector, and I will continue to engage positively with the whole seafood industry going forward.
“The UK Government have committed to investing in our coastal communities during the adjustment period. At the end of that period, we will negotiate annually on quota and access – just like every other independent coastal state.
“The Prime Minister deserves credit for delivering a deal that many said was not possible – to continue to trade freely with the EU while maintaining our national sovereignty.
“It may not be perfect, but we cannot let that become the enemy of the good.
"Today, SNP MPs have voted for us to leave without a deal - after spending months arguing that would be catastrophic. All the Nationalists have to offer is rejoining the EU and the CFP - which they can only achieve by breaking up the United Kingdom.
"This deal can allow us all to move on from the divisions of the past and chart a new course while staying closely aligned with our European partners."
