Hansard

The debate has been brief, but we have covered a number of issues and topics that are not only important in members’ constituencies but of great national importance.

Malcolm Chisholm rightly raised the important issue of renewables, and wave and tidal technology in particular, segueing into a discussion of research and development and innovation. Claire Baker also touched on the theme, mentioning horizon 2020 at the end of her speech. She has consistently expressed her concern that any further budget reduction for horizon 2020 might impact on our research and development and our academic institutions. I hope that I have given strong assurances in that regard, and I reiterate that we share such concerns.

Willie Coffey spoke eloquently about digital connectivity and having a true single market. He was right to use the word “exploitative” in speaking about some of the multinational corporations, and right to advocate that we take a sensible approach to a variety of digital issues. I know that digital issues are a matter of great concern to Willie Coffey, and over the years he has been consistent in raising those issues in the chamber.

Roderick Campbell spoke about justice issues, which I will reflect on further in a moment. Liz Smith, speaking on behalf of Jamie McGrigor, spoke about a variety of issues such as transport, education and migration as well as energy union, which is an issue that Jamie McGrigor has raised on many occasions during chamber debates on the EU.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Government’s behalf. It is important in terms of EU engagement priorities that the Government has a locus with regard to the European Commission’s 2020 programme, which will be taken forward through the Commission’s work programme in 2015.

In effect, the programme is a 23-point plan to take forward the growth agenda in the EU. I wrote to the European and External Relations Committee in January to set out the key areas of interest for the Scottish Government. The work programme is more focused than it has been in previous years, which is perhaps a sign that the Commission is serious about reconnecting with its citizens. As Claire Baker and other members have suggested, and as I think the Commission would be the first to say, the EU has fundamentally failed to connect with and make itself relevant to the citizens of its member states. The work programme perhaps demonstrates the Commission’s understanding that doing less, but doing it more effectively and strategically, is a better approach to take.

Although the programme is more focused, there are a number of strategic issues that will be of considerable interest to a number of our committees. As has been mentioned, climate change will loom large ahead of the major conference in Paris towards the end of the year in which countries of the world will seek to hammer out a global climate deal. The Scottish Government will of course play its role in that conference, which will—as Claire Baker said—potentially help us to reach our own targets here in Scotland.

I know that the energy union package is incredibly important to Jamie McGrigor, who cannot be here today. The package is a critical initiative, and I welcome the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee’s intention to consider the strategic framework for energy union in the context of its work on oil and gas, wave and tidal power and energy efficiency.

There are many other elements of the Commission’s work programme that will have major relevance to committees as we move forward. My consideration is clearly limited by time, but I want to make a point about migration, which other members have mentioned. It is a key issue in the Commission’s work programme, and I welcome the Justice Committee’s intention—as Roderick Campbell highlighted—to examine how the Commission intends to deal with issues of people trafficking and smuggling as part of its migration strategy. It is a major issue that needs to be addressed. The Scottish Government has of course been deeply disturbed by the deaths in the Mediterranean of so many migrants who have sought to enter the EU from Africa.

Many other elements of the Commission’s work programme will have major relevance for committees.

It is good that in this Parliament we have had a positive discussion about the benefits of the EU. In other Parliaments across these islands, there might not be such a constructive debate or a real consensus about the benefits. We know about the benefits, such as the single market of 500 million people with access to 20 million businesses. In 2012, the EU was the world’s largest economy in terms of gross domestic product, with a higher figure than those for the United States and China. I have touched on the benefits from migration for our education institutions as well as the social and cultural benefits. I welcome the commitment from across the Parliament to engage constructively and positively on EU issues.

The Government is committed to a number of key points. It is committed to continuing to engage with the Parliament as early as possible on forthcoming EU legislation, and we hope to publish updated transposition guidance soon. We will continue to make the case that Scotland is best served as a member of the EU. Of course, we think that the UK is stronger for being in the EU and that the EU is stronger for having the UK as a member. Because of that, our clear position is that we do not support an in/out referendum and we believe that, if one happens, a double lock should be in place.

We will continue to make the case for EU reform. No member state ever tells me that it believes that the EU is perfect. Every single one of us wants reform, but we believe that that can be done within the existing treaty framework. We are keen that Scotland should get its share of the investment package, and we are working closely with the UK Government in that regard. We want to support innovation and promote inclusive growth through active participation in the EU. We also want to use the heightened interest in Scotland since 2014 as a platform to deepen a number of bilateral relationships across the EU.

The Scottish Government firmly believes that the EU is the best international framework to deliver social and economic gains for the people of Scotland and to tackle some of the difficult global challenges that face Scotland and its partners worldwide. We do not consider that there is a viable alternative to our EU membership that is capable of delivering the same economic and social prosperity to our people or of enabling us to fulfil the Scottish Government’s ambition for international engagement.

As I say that, if I listen closely, I can almost hear Margo MacDonald’s voice telling me otherwise. It is important that we recognise that there are a number of voices in Scotland who are not quite convinced of the case for our continued EU membership. Therefore, I do not doubt that the Government and politicians across the Parliament have a job to do to be firmer about the benefits of the EU. Members might find the Scottish Government’s booklet on the benefits of Scotland’s membership of the EU a very handy guide in doing that job.

Subsequent to the Smith commission report, the Scottish Government will continue to work and engage constructively with the UK Government to press for strengthened safeguards to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard in the development of UK policy on EU issues that touch on devolved matters. That is of particular importance and interest to members across the Parliament.

Once again, I thank the European and External Relations Committee for its report, as well as all those who were involved in putting it together.