Last Wednesday, the European Parliament overwhelmingly backed a resolution in response to the UK’s notification of its intention to leave the EU.
This resolution - which has the support of four of the leading political groups and more than 500 members of the European Parliament - sets out the general principles, objectives and ‘red lines’ which the Parliament believes must be respected during the negotiations that lie ahead.
I believe one of the most important principles set out in the resolution is that the European Parliament represents all EU citizens, and will act to ensure the fair treatment and protect the interests of Europe’s citizens throughout the negotiations.
It’s also important to note the resolution specifically recognises that in Scotland, an overwhelming majority of voters - 62 per cent - chose to remain in the EU.
I have been greatly encouraged by the understanding, sympathy and solidarity that has been expressed towards Scotland from our friends across the EU’s member states and European institutions. Listening to those MEPs who intervened in the Parliament’s debate on behalf of the people of Scotland was deeply moving.
Scotland benefits hugely from the contribution made by people from across Europe who choose to live, work and study in our country. We want EU citizens to continue to be able to make Scotland their home, and in my view, it is totally counterproductive for anyone to prioritise control of immigration over any other outcome for Brexit.
We’re therefore pleased that the European Parliament has decided to treat these issues as a matter of priority, given that the absolute necessity for the European Parliament’s final consent on the EU-UK withdrawal agreement is based on the respect of citizens’ rights.
Historically, Scotland’s level of population growth has been lower than other parts of the UK - indeed, lower than many other parts of Europe. For the sake of our prosperity we need more people to choose to come and live and work in Scotland.
Equally - we place high value on being an outward-looking, progressive nation, one that cherishes the diverse make-up of our population.
The European Commission’s Brexit coordinator, Michel Barnier, committed himself to making sure the negotiation process is open, fair and transparent. The European Parliament has ensured their role adheres to this principle, and this is heartening.
While we know change is inevitable, we believe openness, fairness and transparency should be the premise of any process in a democratic union. This should include full inclusion of all devolved governments during the negotiation process, as promised in UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s letter to Council President Donald Tusk.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, stated that the lives of millions of people who have family or professional ties to the UK are at stake. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon echoed this in her speech to Stanford University the day before the resolution was passed. She said that we are lucky to have 181,000 EU nationals who have chosen to live in Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament’s vote mandating the Scottish government to enter formal discussions with the UK government on an independence referendum signals to our friends in Europe that we are determined to do all we can to remain part of the European community of nations, and to continue to hold dear the values we have shared for 60 years.
Scotland has created and maintained a deep and respectful relationship with its European neighbours. And the presidents of the EU institutions have clearly underlined the need to ensure that the negative effects of the UK’s withdrawal are diminished for those who did not vote to be taken out of the EU.
The EU emerged from the strong desire among people and politicians alike that Europe should not, and would not, return to the dark days which saw two World Wars fought on the continent’s soil within the space of only 40 years.
That overriding objective of peaceful coexistence, which lies at the heart of European cooperation in recent decades, cannot and must not be forgotten.
It is with great sadness that we find ourselves in our current position. Brexit is taking the UK out of Europe at a time when the need has never been greater for collective action with other states on issues of common concern such as climate change, the refugee crisis, and major energy and environment plans and jobs investment to tackle youth unemployment.
Scotland remains committed to and respectful of the EU and its values, and we wholeheartedly wish to keep contributing for years to come.
To this end, we will do everything in our power to protect the interests of Scotland in securing the best outcome for our relationship with our European friends and neighbours.