The First Minister lodged a motion yesterday to allow the Scottish Parliament to debate the EU today. The motion reads:
Implications of the EU Referendum for Scotland
That the Parliament welcomes the overwhelming vote of the people of Scotland to remain in the European Union; affirms to citizens of other EU countries living here that they remain welcome and that their contribution is valued; mandates the Scottish Government to have discussions with the UK Government, other devolved administrations, the EU institutions and member states to explore options for protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU, Scotland’s place in the single market and the social, employment and economic benefits that come from that, and instructs the Scottish Government to report back regularly to parliamentarians, to the European and External Relations Committee and the Parliament on the progress of those discussions and to seek Parliament’s approval of the outcome of that process.
The debate will commence from 2pm with a statement from the First Minister. You can watch live on Parliament TV on the Scottish Parliament website.
Ruth Davidson will use the parliamentary debate on the EU referendum later today to support efforts to keep the UK within the European single market.
The Scottish Conservative leader will argue that the practical way forward for Scotland and the UK is to seek ways to protect and maximise trade within the EU area.
She will back efforts to ensure the Scottish Government is involved at all times in the UK discussions, along with other devolved governments and regional centres of power.
But she will caution the Scottish Government against using the coming negotiations between the UK and the EU as a way to further Scottish independence.
Following last week’s referendum, discussions between the Scottish and UK Governments have already begun, along with talks with other EU institutions.
The Scottish Conservatives are now calling for widespread consultation within the UK so that everyone’s interests are fully represented.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“The coming negotiation between the UK and the EU will be vital for Scottish jobs, and must reflect the needs of all of us.
“The aim must be to protect and maximise our trade within the European Union area and ensure continued access to the single market.
“That means the UK Government and all the devolved administrations working closely together – along with regional centres of power – to get the best settlement going forward.
“It is encouraging that the First Minister has already held discussions with the UK government and London Mayor to further this approach.
“However, we would caution the SNP against using these negotiations to further their aim of independence.
”Whatever peoples’ views about last week’s decision, the truth is that we do not solve our departure from the European Union by walking out of our own Union of nations as well.
“Scotland’s trade to the rest of the UK far outstrips that to the EU – Scottish jobs rely on access to both markets.
“It is now incumbent on people right across the UK to work hard to get the best deal.”In advance of tomorrow’s debate at The Scottish Parliament on the outcome of the EU referendum the Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Willie Rennie stated, “We have been discussing the motion with the government in advance of its publication.
“On Friday I committed my party to supporting Nicola Sturgeon’s special EU negotiation process as there is a strong need for cross party support therefore we will support the motion tomorrow.”
The Scottish Liberal Democrats also support Nicola Sturgeon on her motion
In advance of today’s debate at The Scottish Parliament on the outcome of the EU referendum the Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Willie Rennie stated, “We have been discussing the motion with the government in advance of its publication.
“On Friday I committed my party to supporting Nicola Sturgeon’s special EU negotiation process as there is a strong need for cross party support therefore we will support the motion today.”
The Scottish Greens will also speak up for EU citizens living in Scotland and urge the Scottish Government to keep all options open in an effort to keep Scotland in Europe.
A petition launched by the Scottish Greens on Friday morning in light of the EU referendum vote has so far gathered almost 40,000 signatures. It calls for Holyrood to examine and exhaust every option for continuing Scotland’s close ties with Europe.
The party has also organised a rally outside Holyrood at 1pm today to give people a chance to make their voice heard.
In the chamber Green MSPs will respond to a statement from the First Minister and take part in a debate on the issue. The Green group expects to support the Government motion.
Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said:
“Following the UK vote to leave the EU, European citizens living in Scotland have understandably expressed concerns about their status. The anti-migrant rhetoric by the Leave campaign and its backers has shamefully fuelled hostility.
“The message from the overwhelming majority of Scotland’s people and its parliament must be made clear: we are a welcoming nation and deeply value citizens of other countries living here. The right to free movement is vital to the success of our nation, and we utterly reject the intolerant attitude of many Leave campaigners.”
Ross Greer MSP, Europe spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
“The strength of feeling in Scotland is shown by this huge and growing support for our petition. Holyrood must explore every option for keeping Scotland in Europe, as this is the clear will of the people who have elected us.
“Scottish voices in UK-EU negotiations will be vital but in the meantime the Scottish Government is right to begin preparations for a potential future independence referendum. When life-long opponents of independence say they are changing their mind, the response of those of us who voted Yes in 2014 must be to welcome that change and continue to build the case for an independent Scotland which can play its full part in Europe.”
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