A reshuffle announced this week by the recently appointed leader Anas Sarwar saw Smyth, previously shadow cabinet secretary for rural economy, transport and connectivity, appointed as the party’s new constitution, Brexit and external affairs spokesman.
Mr Smyth welcomed the challenge and said: “There are few higher profile issues.
“Brexit may have happened, but the fall out will continue for some time, not least here in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of businesses facing increased border checks when sending goods to Northern Ireland via Cairnryan.
“Given that our region borders the North of England, Scotland’s constitutional future will arguably impact more on Dumfries and Galloway than any other part of Scotland, so I’m determined to use my new role to ensure that the views of the people from the South West have a voice at the very heart of the debate on Scotland’s future.
“People have strong views on the constitution, and I respect that. But I believe we need to focus not on what divides us as a country, but what can bring us together. As Scottish Labour’s Constitution Spokesperson, it will be my role to set out Labour’s alternative to the SNP’s independence and the Tories attempts to suck powers back to Westminster. But the constitution cannot distract from the priority to build back better after the pandemic and that should be the focus of Parliament.”
