Meeting of the Parliament 17 March 2015
I will end on this point. We believe that there should be a double-majority system for that referendum. We believe that Scotland and indeed other parts of the United Kingdom should not be dragged outside the European Union against their will.
That is why we state in our motion that the UK should not be dragged out of Europe if there is not a majority in favour of that not just in the entire UK but in each of those countries. This Government will continue to press for a double-majority voting system in the event of a future referendum. After all, if Scotland is an equal member of the United Kingdom, its voice should be listened to.
I move,
That the Parliament supports Scotland’s place in the European Union (EU) and its role as an active and constructive member; recognises the importance of the EU single market, which gives Scotland access to 500 million people and 22 million businesses across the EU; further recognises the additional social, cultural and educational benefits of EU membership; highlights the importance of ensuring that Scotland can make a contribution to EU policy-making, particularly in light of the recommendations of the Smith Commission, to support the work of the Scottish Government to deliver sustainable growth, address long-standing inequalities and protect Scotland’s public services; understands the importance of protecting Scotland’s EU membership, and welcomes the Scottish Government’s double majority proposal, which would prevent Scotland from being taken out of the EU against the will of its people.
14:37