David Davis says there will be no second referendum on Scottish independence and vows to bring a Brexit Bill to the Commons ‘within days’
DAVID Davis has categorically ruled out calls for a second referendum on Scottish independence after Nicola Sturgeon said it was "highly likely" she would hold another vote.
The Brexit Secretary said arguments in favour of another referendum were "patronising" and "undemocratic" and he would not support them.
Mr Davis told MPs in the Commons today that he would not back another vote "under any circumstances".
Echoing previous comments made by the Prime Minister, he said: "I take the view that somehow the British people didn't know what they were doing first time round so they have got to get a chance to get the answer right is patronising, bluntly, and undemocratic and improper."
The Brexit Secretary also promised MPs that Parliament would have the final say on a deal for Britain's departure from the EU.
Mr Davis said that in light of today's Supreme Court ruling - which stated that Theresa May must bring forward a Bill in Parliament before triggering Article 50 - he hoped to get together a draft "within days".
Today the Court also unanimously rejected demands for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be given a veto on triggering Brexit.
The First Minister's party, the SNP, has said it will table FIFTY amendments to a Brexit Bill, including an option to keep the UK in the EU.
She said the judgment raised "fundamental issues" for Scotland and that it was now "ever clearer" that Scotland should decide its own future bu another referendum.
RELATED STORIES
Mr Davis also used the statement to reassure Brits that the referendum result would be upheld, and that there was "no going back" from the vote to leave the EU.
He warned MPs not to obstruct the "will of the people"; or delay the process of leaving.
The Brexit Secretary told the Commons he will introduce the "most straightforward Bill" possible within days to give effect to the "decision of the people" and respect the Supreme Court's judgment.
A short Bill authorising the invocation of Article 50, with votes in both the Commons and Lords, is expected to be published later this week.
Labour's Sir Keir Starmer attacked the Government's decision to appeal the High Court ruling in the Supreme Court, saying it was a waste of money and time.
He said Labour would not "frustrate" the process of leaving the EU, but that his party would table amendments to any legislation.
Justices today ruled 8 - 3 in favour of forcing MPs and Lords to have a vote in order to start Brexit talks.