Meeting of the Parliament 17 March 2015
I am in my final minute.
Labour does not support a referendum as we know that it will cause uncertainty for business. A referendum is not in the interests of the UK.
I look forward to the debate. We have different views across the chamber on referendums and on Scotland’s place in the UK and in the EU but I hope that we do not miss the opportunity this afternoon to put forward the positive case for our involvement in Europe and to recognise not only the challenges that it presents but the opportunities and advantages that it offers us.
I move amendment S4M-12670.2, to leave out from “supports” to end and insert:
“believes that the best future for the UK is within the EU; highlights the many advantages that being within the EU brings to Scotland, including access to the single market and subsequent trading opportunities and employment that this brings; acknowledges the social, cultural and educational benefits of continued EU membership; believes that the EU should have a clear focus on tackling youth unemployment and inequality across member states and opposes the proposed cuts to the Horizon 2020 fund; further believes that the EU should be taking a lead in tackling exploitative work practices, and recognises the need to protect public services in any trade negotiations; welcomes the proposals from the Smith Commission for improvement of the Concordat on the Co-ordination of European Union Policy Issues, which recognises the important role that Scotland has to play in negotiations on devolved policy matters; supports the reform agenda in the EU, and believes that the UK should lead on this as a strong member of the EU.”
14:46Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.