SNP MSP calls for pan-European solidarity to protect Scotland’s EU status
THE SNP MEP ALYN SMITH has told fellow members of the European Parliament that Scotland did not let the European project down, to a standing ovation from MEPs from across Europe.
Smith made the remarks in today’s (28 June) emergency meeting of the Parliament in Brussels in the wake of the UK voting to leave the EU on 23 June.
Addressing the chamber, he said: “The people of Scotland, along with the people of Northern Ireland, and the People of London, and lots and lots of the people of Wales and England also, voted to remain in our family of nations
“Colleagues there is a lot of things to be negotiated, we will need cool heads and warm hearts.
“But please remember this. Scotland did not let you down.
“Please, I beg you, do not let Scotland down now.”
Analysis: The 3 options Nicola Sturgeon has presented to keep Scotland in the EU
"Do not let Scotland down." Scotland's @AlynSmithMEP gets a rousing applause from European Parliament https://t.co/961mdWVlfE
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 28, 2016
The speech was followed by rapturous applause.
Scotland voted In by a majority of 62 per cent during the referendum on the UK’s EU membership, whilst the rest of the UK voted Out by 52 per cent.
Since the result, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she will attempt a range of approaches to maintain Scotland’s relationship with the EU, up to and including a second referendum on Scottish independence, something she said was “highly likely”.
The session also heard from UKIP leader and MEP Nigel Farage, who complained to MEPs that when he had arrived in the European Parliament 17 years ago on a mission to secure a British exit “you laughed at me” but that “you aren’t laughing now”.
Smith made the comments just before the commencement of a debate in the Scottish Parliament on how Scotland could preserve its relationship with the EU.
The Scottish Parliament is expected to endorse Scotland place in the European Union at a debate this afternoon.
Picture courtesy of European Parliament
Check out what people are saying about how important CommonSpace is. Pledge your support today.
