Sturgeon: Staying In EU Would Help Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon will tell policymakers in Brussels today that Scotland should not be forced out of the European Union, even if most people in England wanted to leave.

Scotland's First Minister will explain she is hoping to amend the EU referendum bill, which has been introduced by the British government, to ensure a so-called "double lock".

That would ensure the United Kingdom could only pull out of the union if the 'No' campaign was supported by a majority in each of the four nations, rather than a simple majority of all UK voters.

Ms Sturgeon will argue that Scotland has a positive European outlook, spelling out the benefits of continued membership of the EU for the Scottish people adding that she "firmly believes" it is in Scotland's best interests to stay.

"We value Scotland's place in Europe, and the benefits it brings in terms of jobs and investment - with more than 300,000 Scottish jobs estimated to be associated with our exports to the European Union," she will insist.

At the event staged by the European Policy Centre, Ms Sturgeon will state: "We see the European Union as a positive force for Scotland and the UK as a whole.

"And we will make an overwhelmingly positive case for continued membership.

"As part of that, the Scottish Government will contribute positively to discussions on reform of the European Union.

"Sensible proposals for change stand a real chance of commanding acceptance."

The fervent pro-European will also point out that 171,000 people from around the EU have made Scotland their home and that most EU immigrants contribute to a net gain for the nation's finances.

In her first EU address as First Minister, Ms Sturgeon will also support calls for EU reform with more local decision making on health and social issues, further development of the single market, especially in the areas of energy and digital services, and more local discretion on implementing regulations from Brussels.

"In some areas, that means that the EU should leave member states with the autonomy to tackle pressing problems," she will say.

"Public health is a relevant example for Scotland and for other countries.

"Some years ago, the Scottish Parliament voted to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol, to tackle alcohol harm in our society.

"Our ability to do that has been challenged, and is currently being considered by Scottish courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

"We know from their support for our case that many other member states support us.

"My view is that the commission and EU policy should recognise that.

"They should give a higher priority to enabling member states to take the decisions they deem necessary to protect life and promote health."

However, despite now presiding over the party with the third largest number of MPs in Westminster, Ms Sturgeon will struggle to insert her demands into the bill as it progresses through parliament.

She will also be asked whether a success of the 'No' campaign in the national vote would be enough to trigger a call by the SNP for a non-binding, indicative vote of Scottish voters as to whether they would want another referendum on Scottish independence.

And if Scotland did eventually cut itself adrift, would the parliament in Holyrood be prepared to re-apply for membership of the EU, even if it meant it was locked into the single currency?

The answers will be closely analysed by those representing the EU's powerful institutions who are likely to be in the audience.