Motion proposed to conference for party to update its position to reflect Brexit
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRAT activsts have proposed that the party remains “open minded” over its response to the Brexit vote, “exploring all options and ruling nothing out until the terms of Brexit are known”.
A new group within the party, Liberal Scotland in Europe, has submitted a motion intended for the Scottish LibDem’s Autumn conference on the political instability following the Brexit vote.
Originally the LibDems pledged support to the Scottish Government’s approach to Brexit, including its advisory council and a promise to consider all options to keep Scotland with the European Union. However, the LibDem leadership then withdrew its support. The conference is the first public opportunity for the party’s membership to have its say.
The proposed motion states “that significant elements of Scotland's continuing participation in the European community may no longer be possible for as long as it remains in the United Kingdom”.
“Significant elements of Scotland's continuing participation in the European community may no longer be possible for as long as it remains in the United Kingdom”. Liberal Scotland in Erope motion to Scottish Liberal Democrat conferece
Support for the European project has been a key pillar of LibDem politics throughout the partys existence.
Following the UK Brexit vote, a number of party activists expressed disenchantment with the future of the British constitution and said they would now be open to considering Scottish independence as an alternative route to retaining EU membership.
The motion calls for the party to restore its formal support for the Muscatelli group (that will advise the Scottish Government) and to hold a further debate on Scotland’s future once the status of the UK withdrawal from the EU becomes clearer.
The group will find out shortly if its motion has been accepted for debate.
Picture courtesy of Policy Exchange
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