11
There was submitted a Notice of Motion by Councillors McCartin and Mack in the following terms:
"Brexit
Brexit is expected to have significant economic and demographic consequences for Renfrewshire depending on any terms agreed, there will be a loss of access to markets and labour predicted to negatively affect the economy.
Accordingly, Renfrewshire 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.
Council notes that the Scottish Parliament has agreed “to providing unequivocal support for a public vote on the final terms of the Brexit deal.””
In terms of Standing Order 27, Councillors McCartin and Mack, being the mover and seconder of the motion, agreed a proposal by Councillor Paterson, that the words “and COSLA” be inserted after Scottish Parliament in the final paragraph. Councillor McCartin, seconded by Councillor Mack, then moved the motion as amended.
Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor Devine, moved as a first amendment:
“That this Council agrees with the premise of the Motion but seeks clarity of the current Scottish Government’s contradictory position of seeking separation from the largest economic market, i.e. the UK on the basis of self-determination, but seeks binding partnership within the EU. This Council therefore supports the call for an early General Election in order that the electorate can make an informed decision.”
Councillor J MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Graham, moved as a second amendment:
“The UK public voted to leave and the Government has done its best to bring this about. It is for the elected politicians to argue the detail and not to go back to the public for another vote. You can’t go back and re-run elections or referenda just because you don’t like the result.
Renfrewshire Council does not support the holding of a further referendum on leaving Europe, nor does this council agree to a further referendum on the independence for Scotland.”
On the roll being called between the motion as amended and the first amendment, the following members voted for the first amendment: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan.
The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, Mack, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.
The following members abstained: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.
14 members having voted for the first amendment, 21 members having voted for the motion and 7 members having abstained, a vote was then taken between the motion and second amendment.
On the roll being called between the motion and the second amendment, the following members voted for the second amendment: Councillors Begg, Binks, Graham, Kerr, J MacLaren, McIntyre and Strang.
The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, J Cameron, Provost L Cameron, Councillors Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don, Hughes, Mack, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McCartin, McEwan, McGurk, McNaughtan, Mylet, Nicolson, Paterson, Rodden, Shaw and Steel.
The following members abstained: Councillors Bibby, Brown, Davidson, Devine, Andy Doig, Dowling, Grady, Harte, Hood, Kennedy, McCulloch, Montgomery, Sharkey and Sheridan.
7 members having voted for the second amendment, 21 members having voted for the motion and 14 members having abstained, the motion as amended was accordingly declared carried.
DECIDED:
(a) That it be noted that Brexit was expected to have significant economic and demographic consequences for Renfrewshire, depending on any terms agreed, with a loss of access to markets and labour predicted to negatively affect the economy;
(b) That Renfrewshire Council support 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; and
(c) That Council note that the Scottish Parliament and COSLA had agreed “to providing unequivocal support for a public vote on the final terms of the Brexit deal."