First Minister makes the case for Scotland remaining in the EU to help fight right-wing extremism
NICOLA STURGEON has told the European Green Party conference in Glasgow today [Friday 2 December] that now is the time for progressives across the continent to fight together against the politics of hate.
Alongside Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie the first minister said that a key part of fighting back against the rise of demagogic politics was for a united Europe with Scotland “at its heart.”
The conference which starts today is planned to run the whole weekend until December 4 and has seen professions of solidarity towards Scotland’s pro-European stance from European greens such as the party’s co-chair Monica Frassoni.
. @NicolaSturgeon getting rapturous applause from @europeangreens #EGP25 pic.twitter.com/BQ0tCSiF4T
— Robert J Somynne (@RobertJSomynne) December 2, 2016
Speaking on the range of challenges facing the EU, the first minister said: “2016 has been one of the most tumultuous years in politics that I think any of us can remember. Support for far-right politicians is on the increase across Europe. That should be of huge concern to us wherever we live.
“These are not simply cases of a candidate whom we don’t like winning an election. Their politics are totally hostile to the notion of equality for all. Rather than tackling the key challenges we all face – they only seek to exploit them.
“I know many of you feel real anxiety about what is happening in your own countries. I don’t pretend to have all of the answers – none of us do. But I know this. We must not sit back and let this happen. Doing nothing is not an option.
“Now is the time for all of us who believe in progressive values to get out and fight for them like never before. Now is the time to stand up and be counted.”
“Now is the time for all of us who believe in progressive values to get out and fight for them like never before.” Nicola Sturgeon
Following the election of Donald J Trump as president-elect of the US, the decision to leave the EU and the rise of politicians such as Marie Le Pen, who is poised to make it to the second round of next year's French presidential elections, there has been concern that the performance of parties advocating policies of radical inequality are in ascendancy.
Monica Frassoni said that she felt there was a widespread sense of sympathy and good will towards Scotland regarding Brexit, but it was too soon to see if this could be turned to action.
Picture: CommonSpace
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