In a joint statement a majority of Scotland’s MEPs pledge a united front in ensuring Scottish interests in post-Brexit climate
FIVE of Scotland's Members of the European Parliament from the SNP, Labour and the Conservatives today made commitments to work as ‘Team Scotland’ on issues where they can cooperate after the UK Referendum result.
Scotland has a total of six members who are elected to sit in the European Parliament in different ideological groupings and who vote on a range of proposals.
A joint press release said: "As individuals we may have a different idea about what the future could or should hold, however in these challenging times, we will continue to work together wherever possible.”
Scotland voted to Remain in the EU by a majority of 62 per cent to 38 per cent in the recent European Referendum on the 23 June.
"We're going to work together, put the party badges to one side where we can, and focus on where we can keep our constituents safe.”
However the overall UK result was 52 per cent to 48 per cent in favour of leaving, causing concerns over Scotland’s democratic choice and place in Europe.
Labour MEPs David Martin and Catherine Stihler, Ian Hudghton and Alyn Smith for the SNP and Ian Duncan for the Conservatives said in their statement: “Each of us has received emails and letters from constituents concerned about their future in Europe. Our message is a simple one – for as long as we remain MEPs we will fight for the best deal for Scotland.”
Labour and Conservative MEPs would not be drawn on the specifics of what they hoped could be achieved from their specific view point. They stated that as previously communicated they would seek to put party differences over strategy to the side as far as it was possible to secure the best arraignment for Scotland.
However Alyn Smith of the SNP stated: “We're going to work together, put the party badges to one side where we can, and focus on where we can keep our constituents safe.
“There's a lot of uncertainty out there and as Westminster descends into chaos I think it's pretty powerful that the five of us are at our posts and united.”
David Coburn of the pro-Leave UK Independence Party (Ukip), who is the sixth of Scotland’s MEPs elected in the last European elections, has not joined his fellow representatives from Scotland.
Picture courtsey of Alexander Kirk