SNP: “Support for Scotland across Europe will aid calls for democracy on country’s future”
SNP MSP CONVENER Bruce Crawford has welcomed the growing number of European politicians speaking out over their desire for a close and warm relationship with an independent Scotland.
Last week 50 leading politicians from across the continent – including politicians in the European, French, German, Belgian, Spanish, Greek, Austrian and Irish parliaments – said they would welcome an independent Scotland into the European Union with a “swift, smooth, and orderly” process, if that is what the people of Scotland chose.
The outpouring of support follows nine months of discussions and expressions of solidarity from a variety of European politicians, after Scotland voted by 62 per cent to remain in the EU.
“The depth of goodwill from across Europe is indeed heartening as we embark on that process and we look forward to continued close cooperation in the months and years ahead.” Bruce Crawford MSP
While the Conservative Government then opted for a ‘Hard Brexit’ outside the European Single Market, the Scottish Government has called for the powers to hold a fresh referendum on independence when the terms of Brexit are clear.
Responding to the letter of support, Crawford wrote: “We hold a longstanding commitment to Europe and intend to set out well before any referendum how our future relationship with Europe will be secured in the event of independence, giving those living in Scotland an informed choice.
“We welcome your offer of support in ensuring a swift, smooth and orderly transition of an independent Scotland into the family of independent European nations if Scotland chooses that future in a democratic referendum.
“The depth of goodwill from across Europe is indeed heartening as we embark on that process and we look forward to continued close cooperation in the months and years ahead.”
The original letter of support was an initiative of Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer and German Green MEP Terry Reintke.
Read more – European Parliament recognises Scotland’s remain vote as Brexit begins
Greer said: “With continuing uncertainty and an absolute lack of any clear plan from the UK Government, what’s becoming clear is that there is a tremendous amount of goodwill from across the continent towards Scotland’s European aspirations. People in Scotland were told to vote against independence if they wanted to stay in the EU and now we know how wrong that was. Independence is the only way to secure a European future for Scotland.”
Labour, Tory and Liberal party leaders in Scotland all supported remaining inside the EU during the referendum last year. However, the parties voted against the option of a new referendum on independence.
Tory Prime Minister Theresa May has said that “now is not the time” for a future referendum.
Picture courtesy of Council of the EU
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